Air conditioning is something that all of the greater Phoenix metro areas depend on every single year. When the sun is shining and the temperature is hot, our AC unit gives us the safety and comfort that we must have to make it through those extreme heat days in the summer. However, just like all technology out there, these systems can experience problems at some point. Whether it’s a faulty thermostat or damaged wire, fixing these issues right away is highly encouraged.
If your air conditioner is working effectively, you can experience cool comfort all summer long. However, you still may have one important question floating around your head: “What temperature should I set my air conditioner in summer?” Today, let's discuss that question by talking about a few factors you must consider. We’ll discuss the costs associated with your AC unit, including what happens when you set the indoor temperature too low. We’ll then offer some tips on how to find your desired comfort level during those scorching summer months.
What is the suggested home temperature? The Department of Energy recommends setting your home thermostat to 78 degrees during the summer months. If you, like many in the Phoenix valley, feel that 78 degrees do not seem like the cooling comfort you need after walking around in 105+ degree weather there are a few ways you can raise the indoor temp yet still remain comfortable.
Tips for Raising Temp While Staying Comfy While increasing the temperature on your thermostat brings many advantages, your comfort doesn’t need to be at risk. Here are some tips on how to do this effectively:
Raise Your Home Temperature When Your Gone You can’t be uncomfortable in your home if you’re not there. That said, to reap the benefits of a high indoor temperature, turn up your thermostat when your home is vacant. While you can accomplish this with any thermostat, a programmable model makes the process extremely simple. In fact, some thermostats allow you to make adjustments from your smartphone. Not sure what temp to choose? Generally, the closer the indoor temp is to the outdoor temp, the better. By doing this, it can make your air conditioner work more effectively. It could even result in saving hundreds on your energy bills.
Upgrade your air conditioner If you’re due for a brand new AC unit, this can help your home stay efficient. The new air conditioners of today are built with tons of incredible features and capabilities, making it easier than ever to save on your energy bills. More specifically, a new air conditioner can allow you to raise the indoor temperature in your home, allowing you to take advantage of the many benefits. This is because many of these AC units feature a variable-speed fan and 2-stage cooling capabilities. Even if your temperature is set high, these features help you stay cooler for longer.
Understanding the Costs
The truth of the matter is, many people set their thermostats well below 78 degrees. However, while this can lead to higher comfort levels during the summer, the costs can really add up—and I don’t mean just for your energy bills. If you consistently keep your thermostat low, this can cause your air conditioner to work harder, which can shorten its life. If your AC unit continues to work overtime, you’ll be replacing it sooner than you expected. As new cooling systems can cost thousands and thousands of dollars, this could be a hefty investment. By raising your indoor temperature, even by just a degree or two, you can experience a long-lasting system and much smaller utility bills.
Utilize Box & Ceiling Fans Does your family constantly use fans in the house? If not, you’re missing out on a massive energy-saving opportunity. Whether you have a box fan or ceiling fan, these can go a long way for staying comfortable during the summer months. Even if the indoor temperature is high, ceiling fans can make it feel much cooler. However, you’ll want to utilize fans at the right time and in the right location.
Making Slow Adjustments
While some homeowners can easily maintain an indoor temperature of 78 degrees, others can’t go above 70. If your family loves a freezing home, making improvements over time may be the best approach. For example, you could try raising your thermostat by just one degree every week during the summer months. This incremental change can help your body get used to the indoor temperature without shocking your system from a drastic adjustment.
Install a Programmable Thermostat to Make Adjusting the Thermostat Easy
It might seem antithetical to spend money to save money, but programmable thermostats are super affordable. That’s right — you don’t need a fancy touchscreen device! t’s a small price to pay to ensure you don’t have to think about your thermostat for the rest of the summer if you set it right.
By doing your best to increase your home temperature, you’ll not only save money—you’ll also be doing good for the environment.
Stay cool this summer with the help of Forrest Anderson!
Forrest Anderson Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. have been providing exceptional service to the Phoenix area since 1961. A third-generation family business with over 60 years of experience, Forrest Anderson remains committed to its founder’s core beliefs: treat your customers right, treat your employees right, do your best work, and always do the right thing. Forrest Anderson technicians operate under a four-point service model (understand, discuss, solve and deliver) to provide a consistent, high-quality experience each and every time. ROC: O68884, O80357, O68784, O32411.
For more information, call 623.428.0215 or visit http://forrestanderson.net/.
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