Staying comfortable while indoors and cooling off during the sweltering heat is key during the summer. Air conditioning provides the perfect solution but the lower you set your thermostat, the higher your energy bills will be.
Finding the right balance between your comfort and the financial bottom line might seem difficult, but working through certain variables will help you find just the right temperature to make your home a pleasant place while saving you money in the process. Here are some tips for setting the right temperature on your air conditioner.
When You Are at Home
To stay cool and avoid high electricity bills, it is recommended to set your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius). Make sure to dress for the season and use a fan if possible to create a wind-chill effect. A 78-degree room with airflow will feel like a 74-degree room that does not have a running fan. If this temperature still leaves you looking for relief, consider investing in a dehumidifier and try to maximize the cooling efforts in your home.
Consider changing the temperature settings during nighttime since it can be another opportunity to conserve energy. Setting the temperature to about 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) while wearing lighter sleepwear and using lighter bedding will help you get a good night’s sleep while saving electricity at the same time.
When You Are Away
Turning the thermostat up seven to ten degrees Fahrenheit (2-3 degrees Celsius) higher while you are away from home for more than two hours can help you save even more. Higher indoor temperature actually slows the heat flow throughout the house, so it will not require the use of more energy to cool things down once you get back home. You can visit ac-hawaii.com for all the info about ACs.
Programmable Thermostats
It might be difficult to always remember to change the thermostat settings every time you leave your home, but programmable thermostats can do the job for you. They are extremely useful and important and they allow you to set different temperatures according to the time of the day, when the house is empty, or when you are at home. You can set it to begin cooling down your home before you return and can even control humidity levels.
Tips to Maximize Cooling Efforts
You can provide better cooling of your home by preventing cool air from escaping and warm air from entering. You can follow some of these useful tips to help you keep your house comfortable.
– Cover your windows to block sunlight and prevent heat from entering through them.
– Limit the use of appliances that produce heat such as stoves or ovens, and use microwaves or outdoor grills whenever possible.
– Install ceiling fans to increase the cooling effect and create better airflow.
– Keep your home sealed by replacing old weatherstripping and caulk around your windows and doors.
Conclusion
During the summer, it might be tricky to stay comfortable while keeping utility bills reasonable, but it is not impossible. Following the tips above will not only help you get through the sweltering heat comfortably but will also make it more affordable.
Nina Smith 
Kim Marks