Can Setting The Ideal Air Conditioner Temperature Save Electricity?

During summer, the majority of Americans set the air conditioner temperature from 66 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. However, setting the cooling to this level can dramatically increase your monthly electric bill, while placing added pressure on the air conditioning that can make it wear out faster. Below are some ways in which you can minimize your power bill without sacrificing comfort.

What is the Most Optimal A/C Temperature?

The most optimal A/C temperature will depend in part on the climate and season. Climate is widely considered the most important factor for A/C efficiency since it will directly influence the work the unit must perform to keep your home cool. It should also be emphasized that climate encompasses more than just temperature. Rather, it is the combination of multiple environmental factors such as rainfall, daylight hours, humidity, and wind.

This means that those who live in rainy or higher humidity environments will often have A/C systems that must work harder for temperature regulation. Furthermore, the presence of large amounts of wind will boost atmospheric dust levels, which when combined with humidity may clog the filters. To set the right temperature, you must first familiarize yourself with the temperatures specific to your climate.

Southeastern United States

The Southeastern United States has a sub-tropical climate, with the exception of South Florida which is tropical. During summer, this region is known for its high humidity and those that live here will want to set their A/C temperature from 71 degrees to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. By doing this, you’ll be able to reduce your energy usage by over 20 percent. During winter, you’ll want to set the A/C to about 64 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, the air conditioning won’t have to work too hard.

Southwestern United States

The Southwestern United States has a largely arid climate. During summer, the best A/C temperatures range from 70 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to the increased atmospheric dust, you’ll need to ensure that your filters get cleaned regularly so the A/C can continue doing its job. During winter, you’ll want to set the heat to about 62 degrees Fahrenheit.

West Coast

The American West Coast, which includes states such as California and Oregon, has a Mediterranean climate. During summer you’ll want to set your air conditioning from 75 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. During winter, the most optimal temperatures range from 66 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Northeastern United States

The Northeastern United States has a temperate climate with hot summers and cold winters. The American Department of Energy recommends thermostat settings of 78 degrees Fahrenheit during summer. This temperature will keep your home cool without causing your electric bill to spike.

Midwestern United States

The Midwestern United States is landlocked which means there are no oceans nearby that can moderate the region’s fluctuating temperatures. This means that summers can be extremely hot, while winters can be extremely cold. The best summer temperature for this region is between 70 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit.