Tired of fighting with your family over the thermostat?
It seems that everyone and their third cousin has an opinion on the best indoor temperature.
That’s because we all want the same thing: to be comfortable – and save as much on cooling costs as possible.
So how do we do it?
The Ideal Air Conditioner Temperature Setting Is 22-26°C
Most people find that a temperature range of 22-26°C is the ideal indoor temperature during the summer. Not too hot, not too cold, but just right.
Studies have shown that for each degree you raise your thermostat, you can save 3-5% on cooling costs. You need to find the sweet spot between saving and staying cool.
My Family is So Picky – How Can I Find That Sweet Spot?
Try this experiment.
When everyone is home, raise the temperature a couple of degrees: for example, 20°C to 22°C. Chances are your family won’t even notice the gentle increase.
Keep raising the temperature a degree or two every few days. When someone starts to complain, you’ll know you’ve hit your temperature limit.
If people keep sneaking over and changing it back, it’ll be better to share this experiment with them, and get everyone on board.
The important thing is to not get fixated on what you think is the right temperature according to what everyone else is doing.
The numbers we gave you are just a ballpark. It’s your home, and your comfort level: focus on how you feel.
Maximize Savings and Comfort Using These Cool Tips
You don’t want to be spending tons of money cooling your house 24/7. The right air conditioner temperature setting is just the start. With these tips, you can stay cool and save effectively.
1. Use a Smart Thermostat
The best way to get the most savings is to proactively use your smart thermostat.
For example, when you’re out of your house for more than a couple hours, you don’t need to be spending money and energy keeping it cool.
Instead, increase the temperature, and program it to cool down again about an hour before you get home.
In need of a new thermostat? We carry top-of-the-line thermostats that are smart and efficient.
2. Adjust Your Sleeping Routine
This goes hand in hand with smart thermostat programming. If you can program a slightly higher temperature at night, that’s even more savings.
We know what you’re thinking: won’t warmer air make it harder for my family and I to sleep?
Not if you adjust your sleeping habits. In general, our ideal sleeping temperature is between 16-20°C when wearing pajamas and covered by a sheet.
But according to this study, by removing pajamas – or wearing lighter, breathable fabrics and foregoing sheets – you’ll actually be the more comfortable at a higher temperature.
Again, it all depends on what you’re comfortable with: it’s important that you consistently get a good night’s sleep.
3. Avoid Using Your Appliances as Much as Possible
There’s a reason we don’t feel like cooking as much in the summer. It’s because we don’t want to turn on that heat-emitting oven!
Our instincts are correct. Appliances and lights emit heat that can increase the temperature in your home.
We recommend avoiding using any indoor appliances during the hottest hours of the day.
Here are some oven-free recipes to help make summer meal planning a little easier – and we swear, they aren’t all salads.
4. Use Your Exhaust Fans
If you do cook inside, your oven’s ventilation fan is about to become your new best friend.
You should turn it on when you start cooking, and keep it on until you’re done. The same is true for the exhaust fan in your washroom when you shower.
5. Take Cooler Showers, and Hang Laundry Outside
Hot showers and damp clothes add moisture to the air, and will make your home feel hotter.
Restrict your showers to a short length, or opt for an overall cooler shower all together.
If you’re able to, try drying most of your clothes outside. This will not only keep excess moisture out of your home, but you won’t have to run the dryer as much.
6. Keep Blinds Down During the Hottest Parts of the Day
Sun streaming in through your windows may add lots of natural light, but it also adds a lot of natural heat.
Invest in good blinds that cover your sun-facing windows, and keep them closed while you’re at work. You can open them when you get home and have the nice lighting and views without the excess heat.
Have Knight Help Keep Your Home Cool This Summer
Is your AC running all the time? The right air conditioner temperature setting only works if you’re air conditioner works.
We offer comprehensive tuneup and repair services that will keep your AC running smoothly all summer long.
Tuneups will not only help you be prepared for summer – they’ll actually make your air conditioner more efficient, and increase its lifespan. And when you sign up for a Knight protection plan, you’re giving yourself even more savings!
All you have to do now is request your free, no obligation quote.
