If you’ve ever spent a summer in the south, you know just how essential it is to have a dependable air conditioning system. Even the most efficient HVAC unit can’t shield you from the shock of a sky-high electric bill after a month of nonstop cooling.
Thankfully, there are strategies you can adopt to stay cool without breaking the bank. One of the simplest and most effective changes you can make is to adjust your thermostat settings. By understanding how and when to tweak the temperature, you can strike a balance between comfort and cost-efficiency.
Ideal AC Temperature While at Home
HVAC professionals commonly recommend setting your thermostat to 78°F during the day when you’re home. While this might seem a bit warm for some, it’s a great compromise between comfort and efficiency. This setting reduces the strain on your air conditioning system, which not only helps extend its life but also cuts back on your utility costs.
This 78°F mark is close to the average human comfort zone and allows your system to work more efficiently because it doesn’t have to struggle to maintain a much cooler indoor climate when it’s blazing hot outside. Plus, it gives you a consistent environment without overburdening the AC unit.
If 78°F still feels too warm for your liking, consider using ceiling fans or standalone fans in the rooms you occupy the most. Fans don’t lower the air temperature but they help circulate the air and evaporate moisture from your skin, which makes you feel cooler.
Temperature Settings When You’re Away
When the house is empty, there’s no reason to maintain the same temperature you’d want when you’re home. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests raising the thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees when you’re out for the day. This adjustment can reduce your electricity consumption by up to 10% annually.
If your usual setting is 78°F, raising it to 85–88°F while you’re at work or running errands can yield real savings. But be mindful if you have pets at home. Many animals are more tolerant of warm temperatures than humans, but 88°F might still be pushing it.
A compromise setting around 82°F to 83°F typically keeps most pets comfortable while still trimming your energy usage. As always, make sure your pets have plenty of fresh water and access to cooler parts of the house, like tiled floors or shaded rooms.
Nighttime Thermostat Settings
Sleeping in hot, muggy conditions is not only uncomfortable but also disruptive to a good night’s rest. Research shows that most people sleep best in environments with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 67°F.
However, cooling your entire home to 64°F every night might not be the most energy-efficient choice. Instead, consider setting your thermostat around 67°F to maintain comfort while keeping energy use more reasonable. Using fans in the bedroom can also help improve air circulation and enhance your comfort without overly burdening your AC.
If your HVAC system allows, you can program the temperature to cool down during your sleep hours and gradually warm up in the early morning before you wake. This strategy keeps your sleep environment pleasant while optimizing energy use.
Best Thermostat Placement
You may not think much about where your thermostat is located, but its placement can impact your system’s efficiency significantly. Avoid putting it in areas with direct sunlight, near appliances that emit heat (like ovens or TVs), or close to windows or exterior doors.
When placed in hot zones, the thermostat can misread your home’s actual temperature and force your system to work harder than necessary. The best placement is in a central area of your home that represents a true average temperature, away from drafts and heat sources.
For even better results, consider installing a smart thermostat. These devices adjust temperatures based on actual conditions and learn your schedule and habits over time.
How Smart Thermostats Cut Costs
Smart thermostats go beyond simple scheduling. They’re designed to optimize your HVAC system’s performance using real-time data and behavioral learning. Here’s how they help save money:
- Scheduling: Set different temperatures for different times of day, such as a cooler setting at night and a warmer one when you’re not home.
- Remote Control: Use a smartphone app to adjust settings on the go, whether you’re in bed or halfway across town.
- Energy Usage Reports: Many smart thermostats provide data on how much energy you use and offer suggestions for increasing efficiency.
Over time, these features can lead to significant savings. Plus, the increased convenience and control make it easier to maintain your ideal home environment without manual adjustments.
Customizing Settings for the Unique Climates of the South
Southern summers are known for their extreme heat and humidity, but even from state to state or within a state, temperatures can vary dramatically. Coastal regions, urban centers, and rural areas each have different cooling needs. That’s why it’s important to tailor your thermostat settings to your specific environment and lifestyle.
Start by experimenting with settings one degree at a time. This gradual adjustment allows your body to acclimate and helps you pinpoint the warmest temperature you’re still comfortable in. On days when the heat is especially brutal, try to avoid heat-generating appliances during the day. Cook with a microwave instead of the oven, or line dry clothes instead of using the dryer.
Keep windows shaded during peak sun hours and use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to help ventilate heat and moisture. Simple changes like these reduce the burden on your HVAC system and help your home stay cooler naturally.
Key Considerations When Adjusting Thermostat Settings
Before experimenting with temperature changes, it’s important to understand the limitations of your HVAC system. Most air conditioners are designed to cool a home about 15°F to 20°F below the outdoor temperature. So if it’s 100°F outside, your AC may struggle to bring the temperature down to 72°F efficiently.
Setting the thermostat dramatically lower than the outdoor temperature won’t cool your home any faster—it will only force the system to run longer, increasing wear and tear and driving up your energy bill.
Also, resist the temptation to constantly fiddle with your settings. Letting the system run consistently within a small range of temperatures is usually more efficient than frequent adjustments.
Consider Upgrading to a Heat Pump
If you’re in the market for a new cooling solution, a heat pump may be worth considering. These systems offer both heating and cooling capabilities, making them a versatile year-round option. Heat pumps work by transferring heat rather than generating it, which makes them extremely energy-efficient.
During the summer, they act like an air conditioner by removing heat from your home and expelling it outside. In winter, the process reverses, bringing heat in from the outdoors. Modern heat pumps are efficient even in colder climates and are well-suited for the milder winters and hot summers of the south.
While the initial investment can be higher than a standard AC system, the long-term savings and environmental benefits often make it worthwhile. The Air Conditioning Specialist offers expert installation services at competitive prices, making it easier to transition to a more efficient system.
Staying comfortable during a hot summer doesn’t have to mean sky-high electric bills. With a little planning and some strategic thermostat adjustments, you can maintain a cool home and keep your utility costs in check. Whether you’re relying on a traditional AC unit or considering a smart thermostat or heat pump, the key is understanding how your system works and using it wisely.
Simple steps—like setting the thermostat to 78°F when you’re home, bumping it up when you’re away, and using fans to circulate air—can make a big difference. And if you’re looking for a long-term solution, a smart thermostat or energy-efficient heat pump could be the upgrade your home needs.
For more personalized recommendations or to explore cooling system upgrades, Air Conditioning Specialist is here to help—offering comfort, savings, and peace of mind all summer long.
