When it comes to setting the temperature for your air conditioner, there is sure to be some debate. It’s possible that everyone in your home will have a different idea about what constitutes the perfect temperature setting. There is also the added factor of considering what the outside temperature is. It goes without saying that what is comfortable in the summer will likely not be the same as what’s comfortable in the winter.
Consider the Outdoor Temperature
One of the things you should consider before turning on the AC for the summer is whether the outside temperature is consistently above 60 degrees. If the weather has not yet adjusted to this point, running your unit can actually cause major damage. Also, on nights where the temperature may dip below 60 degrees, remember to turn your AC off.
There is an ideal temperature you should keep in mind during the summer and that is in the 70-72 range. Most units are designed to cool in this range and setting it any lower risks making the system freeze up.
Humidity is a Bigger Issue Than Temperature
While we often focus on heat, it’s really humidity that makes us feel sticky and sweaty. That’s why the temperature can actually be higher if the humidity is lower. Your air conditioning unit does a lot of work in dehumidifying your home, so it’s important to keep this in mind when setting the temperature. If your home is not that humid, you can increase the temperature and still feel comfortable. This can also save you money as the system won’t need to work as hard.
Don’t Turn the Temp Down to Cool Faster
This is one of the most common mistakes people make with their thermostat. Cranking the AC to a low setting isn’t going to get your home to a comfortable temperature any faster, but it will eventually make it excessively cool which will be less comfortable and also increase your energy bill. Set the temperature at what you actually want the temperature to be and let the system do its job.
