Sweltering hot summers make homeowners want to turn up their air conditioning system, but doing so also means higher energy costs on their next utility bill. Fortunately, there’s a way to strike a balance between a reasonable energy bill and a cool, comfortable home. A trusted expert in air conditioning installation and heat pump inspection, J & M Air Conditioning & Heating, shares which AC settings are best for summer.
Best AC Settings for a Hot Summer
Neal Goldsmith
When You’re At Home
If you’re staying in for the day, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F (or 26°C). This allows a comfortable indoor environment without an unusually high cooling bill. If your home still feels a bit muggy, that’s probably because of excess indoor moisture. Investing in a quality dehumidifier will not only lower humidity levels inside your home, it can also improve indoor air quality.
When You’re Away
If you’re away from home longer than two hours, set your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees higher. Keeping your home warmer while you’re away allows you to save as much as 10% on your cooling costs. The higher indoor temperature also helps slow down heat transfer into your home. And when you return, you’ll find that it won’t take as much energy to cool things down.
More Summer Cooling Tips
There are other ways to maximize cooling efforts in your home during the summer. For instance:
Schedule an air conditioning service and inspection with a trusted HVAC technician at J & M Air Conditioning & Heating. This helps to reduce the potential for AC breakdowns in the peak of summer.
Invest in a newer, better air conditioner if your current one is already failing. J & M Air Conditioning & Heating offers high-quality options from a trusted industry name, Carrier. Talk to us and we’ll help you pick the best equipment for your needs.
Clean or replace air filters so that conditioned air is distributed evenly throughout your home.
Hang curtains, blinds and other window treatments to stop heat from transferring into your home via the windows.
Contact Us Today for Service
Whether it’s summer AC performance or possible window air conditioner rain intrusion, J & M Air Conditioning & Heating is always ready and available to help you with your cooling needs. Expect only the best results when you choose us for the job. Call us today at (951) 654-3464 (San Jacinto) or (760) 296-7075 (Palm Desert). You can also fill out this contact form to schedule an AC evaluation. We proudly serve Hemet, CA, and the surrounding areas.