When the Carolina heat and humidity roll in, it's tempting to crank the AC as low as it will go. But there's a smarter approach. So what temperature should you set your AC in summer? Here's how to stay comfortable without a shocking energy bill.
The commonly recommended setting is 78°F when you're home and awake. It's comfortable for most people, and because the strain on your system (and your bill) rises with every degree cooler, 78 strikes a good balance of comfort and cost.
When you're away or asleep, bump it up. Setting the thermostat a few degrees higher — say 80 to 82°F — while you're at work or overnight can cut cooling costs noticeably. A programmable or smart thermostat makes this automatic, adjusting around your schedule so you come home to a cool house without paying to cool an empty one.
A few tips to make higher settings feel cooler: run ceiling fans (they let you feel comfortable a few degrees warmer), keep blinds closed during the hottest part of the day, and keep your filter clean so air flows freely.
One more thing — don't set the thermostat far lower than normal thinking it'll cool the house faster. It won't; your AC cools at the same rate regardless, and you'll just overshoot and waste energy.
If your system struggles to hold a comfortable temperature on hot days, it may need a tune-up or be improperly sized. Reinhardt Heating and Air can help — we serve homeowners across the greater Charlotte region, 7am to midnight.