What Temperature Should You Set the Air Conditioner in the Summer?

During the sweltering summer months in humid climates like Cayman, almost nothing is more enjoyable than spending time in your air-conditioned home. After all, nothing beats the feeling of cool air. Unfortunately, blasting your air conditioning isn’t always the best decision, as this can lead to a sudden, unexpected spike in your electricity bills.

So, what temperature should you set the air conditioner in the summer if you want to stay cool while being mindful of your energy consumption? There are several settings you’ll want to consider. Let’s answer this question below so that you can know the ideal thermostat setting for summer.

What’s the Best Overall Temperature?

When outdoor temperatures are on the rise, the air conditioners in our homes take center stage. Whether you have a central air conditioning system or a ductless mini split unit that cools your home throughout the year, it’s easy to put your thermostat on the lowest setting and forget about it for the rest of the season. However, this can take a toll on your energy consumption — and your wallet.

So, what temperature should you set the air conditioner in the summer for energy savings while maintaining decent comfort levels? A good starting point is 78 degrees Fahrenheit or the highest comfortable setting with the fan switch on “AUTO”. When you leave for work you can increase the temperature to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Now, you may be wondering, “Why should I set my air conditioner that high?” Well, when it comes down to it, this is an ideal temperature for energy savings. These savings can add up over time, which can help you save money in the long run.

Additionally, if you’re planning to spend long periods of time away from your home, it’s recommended that your thermostat setting for summer should be around 82 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not recommended to turn the air conditioner off completely. With this indoor temperature, you can save energy while you’re out of town and keep control of the indoor air humidity. It can be tempting to save big on your utility bill when off on vacation but doing so presents the risk of microbial growth developing. This can be a health hazard as well as cause extensive damage to your home.

Something to be mindful of is that thermostat temperature readings are often not accurate. If you think your thermostat may be reading higher or lower than the actual temperature, have a service technician verify the temperature on your next preventive air conditioning maintenance visit. Our technicians have high quality psychrometers that measure temperatures more accurately than thermostats.

What’s an Optimal Nighttime Temperature?

It’s no secret that many people find it hard to sleep when their bedroom feels too hot and humid. What temperature should you set the air conditioner in the summer when you sleep? Generally speaking, you’ll most likely want to aim for temperature settings of about 72 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit. This is very much a personal preference but usually 74 degrees Fahrenheit is a comfortable temperature for sleeping.

How Else Can You Keep Cool?

Now that we’ve discussed the ideal thermostat setting for summer, you might be wondering how else you can increase your energy costs without sacrificing comfort. If you’re interested in keeping your thermostat at a higher temperature, we have some tips you can use to maximize your energy savings.

Ceiling Fans

Initially, you might think that running your AC unit and ceiling fans at the same time will waste a significant amount of energy. However, that really isn’t the case. All-in-all, running ceiling fans doesn’t consume a lot of energy. In fact, operating fans in tandem with your air conditioning system can make your home more energy efficient.

When you set your thermostat at a higher temperature, you can make up for the lack of comfort with your ceiling fans. These fans are designed to create a “wind chill effect,” which can make a room feel cooler than it actually is. In the end, you can increase your energy savings while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.

Blackout Curtains

If you’re looking for even more energy-saving tips, you might want to consider investing in blackout curtains. These curtains will prevent the sun from shining through your windows during peak hours, which will then allow you to keep your thermostat in a higher setting.

Even if you don’t want to invest in blackout curtains, simply closing your regular curtains or blinds can help. The overarching goal is to keep the sun from beating down on your windows. This way, you won’t have to increase the temperature on your thermostat to combat the excessive heat coming in through your windows.

Of course, one of the best ways to keep cool and lower your energy bills is to invest in a new, energy-efficient cooling system. At Polar Bear, we can help you with an efficient AC installation in Grand Cayman that meets your home’s needs and increases your energy savings.

Stay Cool With Help From Polar Bear!

It can be incredibly tough to find the perfect thermostat setting for summer, especially if you’ve been feeling torn between keeping your home cool and keeping your energy bills low. However, you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. Hopefully, you now know what temperature you should set the air conditioner in the summer — during the day and at night.

If you need help installing or repairing your air conditioning system, turn to Polar Bear for assistance. We specialize in a broad range of specialties, from AC installations to smart thermostats, to ensure you’re never in discomfort.

Are you ready to see what our experts can do for you? Contact us today to schedule your air conditioning repair service in the Cayman Islands!