What Should I Set My Thermostat to in the Summer?

If, “What should I set my thermostat to in the summer,” is one of the big questions on your mind, you are not alone. Especially if your air conditioner is struggling to keep your house cool, choosing a different thermostat setting could help. Air conditioning is important in the heat of a South Jersey summer, but the best temperature for your AC unit may not be what feels comfortable to you.

In the height of the summer months, you want to be able to go inside your home and cool off. What happens if you find that your AC unit is not cooling the house down as much as you would like? There are solutions you can consider in order to keep your electric bill low and your comfort level high.

When you reach out to Vaughan Comfort Services, you get quality air conditioner repair and maintenance to keep your HVAC system working properly. Not only does that give you a comfortable home, but it also provides you with peace of mind. Read on to learn about the right temperature settings for your thermostat in the summer months to have the coolest and most cost-effective climate in your home.

What is Considered a Comfortable Temperature for Summer in South Jersey? 

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer because this is the most cost-efficient temperature. At 78 degrees, though, your home may not be as comfortable as you would like. While energy efficiency and energy savings are both important, you also want to enjoy the coolness of your home during the summer months.

You may choose to set your home’s thermostat to 78 degrees and use ceiling fans, or you may choose to set your thermostat to a lower temperature even though you will see less energy efficiency by doing so. The choice is up to you, and your comfort is important. Keep in mind that your thermostat temperature should be low enough to provide you with plenty of cool air, but high enough to reduce strain on your HVAC unit.

What Should be the Difference Between Outdoor and Indoor Temperature? 

Along with providing information about the best indoor air temperature for cost-effective cooling, the U.S. Department of Energy also recommends a difference of no greater than 20 degrees Fahrenheit between indoor and outdoor temperatures in the summer months. This difference helps to keep energy costs down while keeping your home’s temperature comfortable.

For example, if it is 98 degrees outside, you will want to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher to reduce your cooling costs as much as possible. The higher temperature may be less comfortable, and you may decide to have slightly higher cooling costs so you can lower the temperature inside your home.

Does Humidity Level Matter for Setting the AC Temperature? 

The humidity levels in your home matter, as one of the functions of the AC unit is to regulate humidity. You can also use a dehumidifier to help reduce humidity, which will help your home feel cooler and can make it easier for your HVAC system to provide proper cooling. The ideal temperature for you may not be the same as it would be for someone else, and supplementing your air conditioning system with ceiling fans and a dehumidifier can increase comfort.

If you stay out of direct sunlight in your home, this can keep your body temperature lower. Closing blinds or curtains during the day can also help your cooling systems work properly and reduce the temperature in your home while keeping your energy usage reasonable. A lower level of humidity may help you feel cooler, even when the temperature in your home is slightly higher.

Is A Programmable Thermostat Worth It?

For many homeowners, a programmable thermostat works well and may save energy. These thermostats work by allowing you to set different temperatures at different times. For example, you may set a lower temperature during the day, and raise it at night or when you are out of the home. You might also choose to have a higher temperature during the day if you are going to be elsewhere, and then have your thermostat lower the temperature shortly before you arrive home.

You may also want to consider a smart thermostat that can allow you to change the temperature from your smartphone or another device. With a smart thermostat, you can change the temperature in your home as needed during the day, without programming a change in advance and without being at your house. It is extremely convenient when your schedule changes.

If you are home most of the time, a programmable thermostat may not be necessary. For anyone who works outside of the home, though, or who is out of their home frequently, having a thermostat they can program can be extremely helpful. It is among the best ways to experience a comfortable temperature in your home and also see lower energy bills.

How to Save Money on Energy Bills in the Summer 

There are some great energy-saving tips to help reduce the cost of cooling a house or apartment down in the summer heat. These include:

• Using blinds or shades to reduce heat and sunlight through your windows during the day.
• Using recommended thermostat settings for a temperature that is energy efficient.
• Keeping your house in a warmer temperature range when you are not at home.
• Having your air conditioning unit serviced and your refrigerant level checked at regular intervals.
• Keeping your air vents and ductwork clean and in good working order.

Some people also choose options such as zoned air conditioning to keep parts of their home cool or to have a different room temperature in some locations. While this can be a good choice for some homeowners and may help reduce energy consumption, selecting a set temperature for your entire home is often all that is needed.

Why Is It Important to Not Crank Up the AC in the Summer?

Turning the AC up too high in the summer can cause strain on your HVAC unit. It is understandable to want to be comfortable in your home. When you come in from outside you want to feel cool air. Your AC unit has to run for a longer period of time when the weather is very warm or when the humidity is higher than normal. During those times, raising the thermostat by a degree or two can make it easier for your air conditioner to provide you with cool air and operate efficiently.

If the AC is on but your home isn’t cooling down there could be a problem with the AC that needs to be repaired. A loss of refrigerant, dirty air filter, or other problem could mean the unit is running but only providing you with room-temperature air. Your utility bills will rise, and so will the temperature in your home. Getting your AC unit serviced quickly can correct the problem and provide you with a more comfortable environment.

Stay Cool and Efficient Without Putting Strain on Your South Jersey AC This Summer

You can have a cool, comfortable home all through the summer months, along with lower energy bills and an efficient air conditioning system. Whether your HVAC unit needs service or repair, or you need to have it replaced, we are here to help. There is no reason to be uncomfortably warm in your home when you have us on your side.

For a fast, free quote call us at Vaughan Comfort Services, and let us know what kinds of concerns you have with your home’s cooling system. You can reach us at 856-627-0303 or complete the online contact form to speak with one of our HVAC professionals in South Jersey today.