What is the Best Temperature for AC? The answer isn't simple.
What is the best temperature for AC? This is a question that many people ask, but the answer is contingent upon many factors. The best temperature for your air conditioning unit depends upon the climate where you live and the type of AC unit you have, as well as many other externalities which may not even be on your radar. In this article, we will discuss what the best temperature for AC is in Arizona. We will also provide tips on how to keep your home cool during the hottest months!
What is the suggested home temperature?
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommends that homeowners keep their homes at 78 degrees when possible. This number takes into account many factors, such as the type of home you have, the climate you live in, and how much money you want to spend on your energy bill. In reality, most people do not keep their homes at this temperature for a variety of reasons. Some find it too hot, while others find that their AC units cannot maintain a constant 78 degrees.
The real issue is the EPA covers a vast area that includes both the frigid temperatures of Minnesota and the dry, hot conditions we experience here in Arizona. Within that spectrum of geography, the same air conditioning unit experiences completely different stresses.
What is the ideal AC temperature in Arizona?
The answer to this question really depends on your preferences. Some people like their homes ice cold, while others prefer it to be a little warmer. If you are someone who likes to keep your home cool, then setting your AC to 72 degrees is a good place to start. You can always adjust the temperature up or down as needed. If you find that your home is too cold or too hot, simply change the setting on your AC unit until you find the perfect balance for your home.
We all know from personal experience that when the temperature outside is a blazing 110 degrees plus, 78 degrees in the home doesn’t feel quite the same as when the outside temperature is around 80 degrees. Part of this is the juxtaposition between what’s being felt outside versus indoors, and part of this is due to the amount of energy your air conditioning unit has to cycle through in order to keep lower temperatures consistent. Just be mindful that the older your unit, and the less you maintain it, the more work it has to endure to keep your home or business cool.
ROUTINE AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE IN PHOENIX INCLUDES
- Checking air filters
- Checking electrical amp pulls
- Checking evaporation and condenser coils for cleanliness
- Checking temperature splits
- Checking electrical connections for weak wire connections
- Checking freon levels
Tips for Raising Temp While Staying Cool in Desert Heat
If you live in a hot climate, your best bet is to raise the temperature on your AC unit. This may seem counterintuitive, but it actually helps your AC unit to run more efficiently. By raising the temperature, you are giving your AC unit a break and allowing it to cycle less often. As a result, your home will stay cooler overall. Just be sure not to set the temperature too high, or you will find yourself sweating instead of enjoying the cool air!
Upgrade your air conditioner
If your air conditioner is more than a few years old, it may be time to upgrade to a newer, more efficient model. New AC units are much more energy-efficient than older models, and they can save you money on your energy bill each month. If you live in an area with extreme heat, upgrading to a new AC unit can make a big difference in your comfort level during the summer months. Contact a local HVAC contractor today to learn more about your options for upgrading your AC unit.
Check for Leaks
One of the most common causes of high energy bills is air leaks. These small gaps and cracks allow cool air to escape from your home, causing your AC unit to work harder than necessary. To prevent this from happening, check for air leaks around your doors and windows. You can also have a professional energy audit conducted to pinpoint any areas where your home is losing energy. Once you know where the leaks are, you can seal them up and keep your cool air inside where it belongs.
Add Insulation
Another way to reduce the amount of cool air that escapes from your home is to add insulation. This will help to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, which can save you money on your energy bills year-round. There are many different types of insulation available, so be sure to talk to a professional about which option would be best for your home.
AIR CONDITIONER BRANDS WE’VE WORKED WITH:
- American Standard
- RUUD
- Rheem
- Carrier
These are the air conditioning brands we’ve worked with in the past. We’ve also worked with other AC brands as well. If you recently bought a new AC unit from a brand not on our list, contact us and we will let you know what we can do for you. Our team is always expanding our knowledge and we may be able to service your air air conditioner even if it isn’t listed here. If you currently have an air conditioner that isn’t manufactured by a company we’ve mentioned give us a call and we can send one of our air conditioner technicians to examine the air conditioner and give you a quote if we are able to install it for you.
Utilize Box & Ceiling Fans
In addition to your AC unit, you can also use box and ceiling fans to circulate cool air throughout your home. These fans are much more energy-efficient than AC units, and they can provide a refreshing breeze on even the hottest days. If it’s cool enough to open your home to the outside air, be sure to place your fans near windows so that they can pull in the cooler outside air (or vice versa).
Change Your Air Filter Regularly
One of the most important things you can do for your AC unit is to change the air filter regularly. A dirty air filter will cause your AC unit to work harder than necessary, which will lead to higher energy bills and premature wear and tear. To keep your AC unit running smoothly, be sure to change the air filter every few months. You may need to change it more often if you have pets or live in a dusty area.
We hope this article has helped to answer some of the questions you may have had about the best temperature for AC. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best way to determine the perfect setting for your home is to experiment until you find the perfect balance of comfort and efficiency. And, if you ever find yourself feeling too hot or too cold, simply adjust the temperature on your AC unit until you are comfortable. Stay cool in the desert!
Maintenance & Installation - We are here to help!
You can trust Lee Collins Air Conditioning to quickly repair your air conditioner with new replacement ac parts and keep your home comfortable 24/7. Our technicians have been with us for over 25 years and have amassed over 60 years of experience in air conditioning.
Have questions? We have answers! Give us a call directly at 602-805-1348 or schedule an introductory service call by clicking the button below.
