Ideal Thermostat Settings for the Summer Season

It’s tempting to set the thermostat too low during the summer season and revel in the resulting blast of cold air. However, this won’t just result in higher energy bills: it could also damage your air conditioning system. In this blog, AC repair contractor Schmitt Heating & Air Conditioning discusses how sticking to recommended thermostat settings can make your home more comfortable and prolong the lifespan of your HVAC system.

Thermostat Settings When You’re at Home

The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees when you’re at home. This temperature will allow you to stay cool throughout the day while minimizing energy consumption. If you still feel uncomfortable after changing your thermostat settings, try the following tips:

• Turn on Your Fans — Use your ceiling or standalone fan to maintain airflow indoors. Fans help distribute cooled air more evenly and make your home feel more comfortable. Also, you’ll consume much less electricity running a few fans that you would setting your thermostat lower than 78 degrees.

• Use a Dehumidifier — Indoor spaces tend to be humid during the summer, which makes the air in your home feel warmer than it really is. Use a dehumidifier and adjust the setting so that the relative indoor humidity stays between 45% and 55%. This will help minimize the feeling of stickiness that we often experience in the summertime.

• Address Insulation Issues — If certain spots on your exterior wall feel warm to the touch from the inside, your home may have insulation issues. Be sure to check your windows and entry doors as well; if there are gaps and cracks through which hot air is leaking in, no amount of AC repair and maintenance will be able to keep your home comfortable.

Thermostat Settings When You’re Away

Whether you leave the house for the afternoon or are away from home for several weeks, you’ll want to adjust the thermostat seven to 10 degrees higher (85 to 88 degrees) to save energy. This higher temperature can actually help slow down heat transfer; after all, heat tends to move to cooler spaces. Keeping the temperature at this level also helps reduce the amount of energy required to cool your home when you return.

Call Schmitt for All Your Heating and Cooling Needs

Schmitt Heating & Air Conditioning is your leading provider of AC repair and installation services. Give us a call at (415) 522-0966 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in San Francisco.