Las Vegas summers can get extremely hot, with outdoor temperatures often surpassing 100°F, and can drive people to want to max out their ACs. However, it is never a good idea to take things to an extreme, especially considering how much higher your utility bill can get. High AC use can also be an environmental concern as it boosts carbon dioxide emissions. The goal should always be to set a temperature that allows you to remain comfortable while not straining your budget or the environment.
Optimal Temperature Setting for Your AC in the Summer.
The US Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting your AC to 78°F in the summer during the day and at home. While this may seem too high, it has been determined to be the optimal level at which you can limit your energy costs. Each degree increase you accommodate can result in as much as a 3% reduction in your utility bill.
Keeping your indoor temperature as close as possible to external temperatures will help your AC run more efficiently and reduce utility costs. When out of the house, you can adjust this setting to 85°F and lower it to 82°F when sleeping at night.
These recommendations may not be very acceptable to Las Vegas residents when considering how hot it can become. The advice to keep your home as close to external temperatures as possible is not often well-received, especially when you consider the rising number of people suffering from heatstroke and other heat-related conditions every year.
However, you can take action to complement your ACs efforts and make your indoor environment more comfortable. This includes using a ceiling fan to improve air circulation, adding insulation to the home, cooking outdoors more, managing other heat sources, and investing in high-efficiency units that provide better cooling power.
Should I Turn Off the AC When Leaving the House?
Do not turn off your AC if you are going to be away for a day or less. Air conditioners use a lot of power to cool down a house that has been allowed to warm up considerably. No more energy would be used to maintain indoor temperatures at the recommended 85°F for less than a day.
If you are, however, going to be away for a prolonged period, then, by all means, shut down your AC before you leave. If you have a pet, do factor in their comfort when leaving them behind. Depending on the kind of animal, this may mean adjusting your thermostat a few degrees less during the summer.
Should I Change the AC Setting at Night?
Generally, it is preferred to have cool conditions to enjoy a good night’s rest. While the DOE does recommend a setting of 82°F at night, try to choose a setting that offers you the comfort you need to get good sleep while not straining your wallet. To allow you to get as close to the recommended 82°F, consider putting away your blankets or comforter and investing in cooling bedsheets.
How Does a Programmable Thermostat Help?
A programmable thermostat is a great way to automate changes to your temperature settings. You can automate what time of day the thermostat is adjusted upward or downward. This can be convenient where you have a regular schedule like when going to work, school or sleeping. It is a great convenience to adjust the temperature automatically before you get home or go to sleep and as soon as you get up or leave. Many programmable thermostats can now also be connected through your smartphone, allowing you to make adjustments even if you are out of the house.
To further help your AC run more efficiently, you also need to maintain and service it at least once a year. Get in touch with our team at 32 Degrees, and we will send a qualified HVAC technician who will service your equipment. We can also help you determine the optimal temperature settings for your AC and install a programmable thermostat for your convenience. If you think your utility bill is higher than it should be, you can also consult with us to find out if there is any problem with your HVAC system or improvements you can make around the home to improve efficiency.
