Every year, people and businesses in the United States spend over $123 billion on HVAC contractor services. That is a powerful indicator of how much people value being able to keep their homes at a comfortable temperature. It takes more than 659,000 people around the country to provide for our HVAC needs.
As much as people value keeping their homes cool enough in the summer, they also want to keep their energy costs down. As a result, many people ask, “What temperature should I have my AC set at in Livingston, Texas in the summer?”
There are a lot of factors that can affect the exact setting on your AC system that makes sense for your home. Taking the time to learn about these factors can help you make a savvy choice that will keep you comfortable and help you save money. So what temperature should you set your AC at this summer?
Read on to learn all about the factors to consider as you choose an AC setting in Livingston, Texas!
What Temperature Should I Have My AC Set At?
The first thing to understand is that there is no one thermostat setting that is perfect for every person and every home. Some people might care more about setting a lower AC temperature because the heat bothers them more than the average person. On the other hand, someone else might want to place a special emphasis on keeping their energy bill each month as low as possible.
On top of that, it is important to think about things like your home insulation as you decide what AC setting is right for you. If you have poor insulation, you might need a lower setting to keep your home at a bearable temperature.
The Best AC Temperature for Energy Savings
When it comes to cost savings, the higher you set your AC temperature, the better. When your AC temperature is set high, it does not kick in nearly as much. That provides a number of cost savings benefits.
First, it means that your AC system consumes much less energy. A lot of people have no idea how much electricity it takes to keep an AC system running. In some homes, the AC ends up responsible for a full half of all of the energy consumption.
That may be expensive all on its own, but that goes double when energy prices are high. In recent months and years, the cost of electricity has been increasing all around the world. Electricity costs are also higher during the summer months when there is a lot of demand for energy use.
On top of that, setting your thermostat to a higher temperature allows your AC system to take a break. If your AC is running all the time, it will wear out much faster than if it can shut off once in a while. That means that choosing a higher AC setting can also end up saving you money on AC repair and replacement costs.
At the same time, there is no point in having an AC if you are not going to use it at all. So what is a good setting if you are focusing on energy savings?
Setting your thermostat to 78° is a good idea if you do not need to keep your home too cool and want to keep your costs down as much as possible. But what if you want to focus more on comfort?
What to Set a Thermostat at for Comfort
People tend to get used to whatever temperatures they encounter the most. Some people are used to cooler temperatures and feel hot if a home gets higher than 70°. Some people prefer even lower temperatures, especially at night when they are trying to sleep.
However, the majority of people find that setting their thermostat to 72° is often enough to keep things perfectly comfortable. Although this can end up costing more money, it might be worth it to enjoy relaxing at home.
Balancing Energy Costs and Comfort
Of course, most people want to aim at comfort and cost savings at the same time. In such cases, you might want to choose a middle thermostat setting around 75°. That way, your thermostat will still get to turn off on occasion and help you save money.
At the same time, your home will be cool enough that you can stay comfortable. In fact, setting your thermostat to an even higher setting can still allow for plenty of comfort if you combine your AC setting with other tools for staying cool.
Factors Affecting the Best AC Temperature for Summer
Using fans is often a great way to help people feel cooler without having to spend as much on air conditioning. Running a fan costs very little energy compared to keeping your AC on. Some people find that they can bump up their thermostat setting by several degrees as long as they have a fan nearby to help them stay cool.
During the summer months in Livingston, Texas, you might also want to focus on staying as hydrated as possible. When people get dehydrated, a home can seem unbearably hot even if it is at a reasonable temperature.
Try experimenting with hydration and fans and seeing if that adjusts the best AC setting for your home this summer!
Know What Setting to Use for Your AC
If you have ever wondered, “What temperature should I have my AC set at?”, we hope you now have your answer. Understanding more about the factors affecting your ideal AC setting can help you make the right choice for your unique situation. In the long run, that can allow you to enjoy the perfect balance of comfort and efficiency.
To learn more about how you can find the best HVAC services for your needs in Livingston, TX, reach out and get in touch with our team at Best Air Conditioning and Heating at any time!
