financingThe right thermostat settings can make a huge difference in your comfort at home. However, there is no single thermostat setting that works for everyone. Instead, the best temperature for your home will depend on your priorities. At Integrated HVAC, we install air conditioners and heaters of all makes and models in Edmond, OK. Our goal is to put our experience and knowledge to work finding HVAC solutions for our customers.
The Optimal AC Settings for Comfort
Surveys find that the preferred summer temperature range for a person can be anywhere from 73 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, it may take a little time to find the best temperature for your home. Try starting at 79 degrees and gradually dropping the air conditioner by one degree a day. This can help you find the highest bearable temperature.
If you have a lot of people in your home, you may need to run the AC longer to offset the body heat. For a party, you may want to drop the AC to somewhere between 60 to 70 degrees. Humidity will also make a big difference in how your thermostat settings feel. Higher humidity can make a temperature feel higher than it really is. Of course, your air conditioner will help lower humidity, but in regions with high humidity, the effects of humidity will still be felt.
The Most Comfortable Heating Settings
Picking a comfortable setting in the winter is a balancing act. The issue is that excessively high heat can cause very low humidity, which can make each breath feel uncomfortably dry. For most people, the most comfortable temperature will be somewhere between 65 degrees to 74 degrees. In addition to depending on personal preference, your ideal heat setting will also depend on what type of system you have. Heating systems like heat pumps may not dehumidify the home as much as an electric heater.
If you have pets or houseplants, aim for the higher side of this range to keep them healthy. Those who prefer it on the warmer side but hate the dryness of running a heater all day long may want to invest in a humidifier. This will let you set your thermostat higher without causing discomfort.
Saving Energy With AC Settings
The ideal temperature for saving energy in the summer is 78 degrees according to Energy.gov. This is cool enough to make your home safe for humans and pets, without requiring the air conditioner to run all the time. If you want to cut back on utility bills even more, consider raising your temperature to 85 when you leave your home for the day. This will be a cool enough temperature to inhibit mold growth, but it will still result in big savings. You can also bump your AC up to around 80 in the evenings when it is naturally cooler.
Choosing Energy Efficient Heat Settings
Energy.gov recommends a 68-degree setting for your heater in the winter. This thermostat setting is still fairly energy efficient while still keeping your house at a safe temperature. If you want to save even more energy, consider dropping your thermostat to as low as 60 when you go to bed. This will save energy, and you won’t be too cold since you’ll be nice and warm inside your bed. When you leave home, you can set your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. This is enough to keep pipes from freezing while still being very energy efficient.
The Right Thermostat Settings for Your System
Another thing to keep in mind with thermostat settings is the setting that will help your system operate most efficiently. If you set your air conditioner too low, it will run nonstop to try and achieve the temperature. This can cause your air conditioner to freeze up or overheat eventually. Likewise, an extra high temperature can put unnecessary wear and tear on your heater. Whenever possible, do not run your air conditioner or heater at the system’s maximum limit. Try to keep your AC above 68 degrees and your heat below 85 degrees to help your system last as long as possible.
Find Out More Today
When you want to learn more about making your HVAC system function optimally, Integrated HVAC can help. Our experts can assist you with maintenance and discuss energy-saving tips with you. We also provide a wide range of heating, cooling, electric, AV, and alarm services. To learn more about the ways we assist Edmond residents, give us a call.
