As the season approaches, you may be wondering what to set your thermostat at in the summer for the best balance of efficiency and comfort. Especially with the New Jersey humidity, it can be hard to find the right setting to keep your home cool without drastically increasing your energy bills. While preferences vary for everyone, there are recommended settings that keep your energy usage to a minimum without leaving your home hot and sticky.
Keep reading to discover what temperature to set your AC at in the summer, helpful tips to prevent overusing your air conditioner, and signs you might be due for professional cooling service.
Recommended AC Temperature Settings for Summer
When temperatures rise during the summer, most homeowners like to keep their air conditioner set between 75°F and 78°F. This range helps keep your home cool and refreshing without significantly increasing your energy bills.
If your home starts to feel a bit too humid, consider lowering the temperature to 72°F to 74°F. Reducing the temperature will help reduce the moisture in the air, especially on extra muggy days.
How to Adjust Thermostat Settings Based on Your Lifestyle
While the ideal temperature range for most homeowners is in the mid-to-high 70s, the right setting to keep your AC on will depend on your lifestyle, family members, and personal preferences. Homes with older adults or young children often prefer to keep the temperature lower than others to keep everyone safe and comfortable. If you have pets, you’ll also want to be careful not to set the temperature too high or too low to avoid health risks, especially during heat waves.
The time of day can also impact what temperature feels most comfortable. During the night, many homeowners prefer to lower the temperature by a couple of degrees for better sleep. Setting your thermostat between 70°F and 74°F helps you stay cool and enjoy a restful sleep without overheating.
Should You Change the Temperature When You’re Not Home?
Raising the temperature when you’re away from home in the summer helps keep your energy bills down and extend the life of your HVAC system without leaving you scorching in uncomfortable temperatures. If you’re away from home for just a few hours, set the thermostat to 80°F to 82°F to conserve energy while you’re out.
If you’re heading on a holiday or plan to be away from home for a few days, you can turn your thermostat up to 85°F to keep your utility bills down while you’re away. Just make sure to consider any pets, plants, or electronics that may be affected by the heat during your trip.
Tips to Stay Comfortable Without Lowering the AC Too Much
When temperatures rise, you don’t always need to crank up your air conditioner to stay cool. There are several easy ways you can keep the temperature inside your house down while conserving energy costs, including:
- Using ceiling fans: Turn your ceiling fans on in a counter-clockwise direction to promote airflow, push cool air down, and improve indoor air quality.
- Keep windows open: Opening windows at night allows cool air to enter while releasing built-up heat.
- Closing curtains and blinds: Keep sun-facing windows covered with curtains and blinds to minimize the heat that enters your home.
- Minimize appliance use: Limit the frequency of using appliances like ovens, dryers, and dishwashers to reduce heat generation.
- Switch to energy-efficient lights: Switch heat-producing incandescent bulbs to energy-efficient LEDs.
Installing a smart thermostat is another great way to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort. These high-efficiency thermostats track your schedule to adjust the temperature when you’re sleeping, at work, or away from home. You can even adjust the temperature on the go through a mobile app that connects directly to your thermostat.
Signs Your AC Isn’t Performing Well at Recommended Temperatures
If you’re setting your air conditioner between the recommended temperatures but still find your home uncomfortably hot, your air conditioner may not be operating at its best. Some of the top signs your AC can’t keep up with the heat include:
- Warm air is blowing from the vents: If you hold your hand up to the vent and find warm air coming through, there’s likely a problem with the refrigerant, air filter, or compressor that requires repair.
- You hear strange noises: Squealing, hissing, or buzzing noises are often caused by issues with the belts, motors, or refrigerant levels.
- There’s not enough cooling: If your AC isn’t keeping your home as cool as it should be, there may be airflow issues, duct leaks, or a clogged air filter preventing your unit from functioning correctly.
- Your system is constantly turning on and off: If your AC is short-cycling without ever reaching the set temperature, you may be dealing with thermostat issues, dirty coils, or an improperly sized unit.
- Rising energy bills: Aging or failing air conditioners use more energy to cool your home, causing your utility bills to increase without warning.
If you notice any of the above warning signs, contact a reputable HVAC company like Sam’s Air as soon as possible. A licensed HVAC technician can evaluate your system to determine whether age, malfunction, or improper installation is behind your cooling issues and offer the most effective solution. Whether it’s a quick fix or a complete system replacement, addressing the problem quickly helps prevent further damage and keeps your home cool when you need it most.
Call Sam’s Air for All Your AC Needs in New Jersey!
Whether your AC is due for service, you’re ready to upgrade to a smart thermostat, or you simply have questions about the right temperature for your home, Sam’s Air is here to help. Our team of licensed HVAC technicians offers all the cooling services you need in one place, so you never have to look far when your system needs attention. From quick repairs and preventive maintenance to system replacements and component upgrades, our team provides the services you need to keep your New Jersey home cool all summer long.
Call us or book online to schedule your AC service today! We proudly serve homes and businesses throughout Monmouth County, Hunterdon County, Essex County, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does constantly adjusting the AC temperature waste energy?
Constantly changing your air conditioner’s temperature can lead to higher energy usage, especially if you frequently lower the thermostat to cool your home quickly. Whenever you change the temperature, your air conditioner uses excess energy to meet the new setting, straining your system and reducing efficiency.
Should I turn my AC off when I go on vacation?
Turning your air conditioner completely off when you go on a summer vacation can result in scorching temperatures throughout your home. If temperatures get too high, it can damage your electronics, flooring, and furniture. Always keep your thermostat at 85°F or under during the summer to protect your home and belongings.
Why does the temperature in my home never match the setting on my thermostat?
Clogged air filters, blocked vents, or an improperly sized AC unit can all prevent your home from reaching the set temperature. If your AC is struggling to keep up, contact our experts for an inspection. We’ll diagnose the underlying problem and recommend the best solution to get your cooling back on track.
