Florida isn’t called the Sunshine State without reason. Even during the coldest months, daytime highs can become uncomfortably warm. Are you curious about how to stay comfortable while decreasing your electric bill? Discover energy-saving tips and the ideal temperature for your AC with McGowan’s Heating & Air Conditioning.
The Best Temperature for Air Conditioning
When asked, people will often say they are comfortable when the temperature is around 75 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter. However, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all temperature.
If you asked your AC technician, they’d say that 78° Fahrenheit is the sweet spot. When running your system at 78 degrees, it should cycle less often, reducing energy costs and wear.
Setting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees higher can save up to 15% on energy costs when you’re not home during the daytime. When you arrive home, set the thermostat lower.
You must determine what temperature settings you enjoy based on preference and:
- Others in Your Home. Heat can increase with people in a home.
- Activities You Do at Home. You may feel hotter when exercising or cleaning the house all day.
- How Much Direct Sunlight Enters Your Home. Direct sunlight can make your home feel warmer.
- Humidity Levels. High humidity levels can make a home feel stifling hot, even at a comfortable temperature.
The only way to know what’s right for you is through trial and error.
Tips to Cool Your Home
Before you suffer from high cooling costs, know there are ways to cool your home without lowering your thermostat. Some straightforward options include:
Cover Your Windows
Using curtains to block the sunlight on the eastern and western sides of your home can help your home stay cooler. UV-blocking curtains can further ensure sunlight stays outside where it belongs.
Use Weatherstripping
Don’t just use weatherstripping for winterizing. It can keep your home cool in the summer, too. Check around windows and doors to seal all the cracks you can to achieve the best results.
Allow Natural Cooling
Want to stay cool and cut your cooling costs? Use the nighttime hours by turning off the air conditioner and opening your windows. Put a fan inside a window to bring natural coolness indoors. Remember to close the windows and window coverings before the sun’s rays reappear in your home.
Avoid Creating More Heat
A dryer, stove, oven, and other heat-inducing appliances can decrease your home’s comfort. Avoid using them during the day when possible. As an alternative, you can use it as an excellent excuse to grill outdoors during the warm weather months.
Using multiple methods to help your home feel cooler is wise, though the best option is to adjust thermostats based on need. Are you worried you’ll forget to adjust your thermostat before leaving for work? We have a smart thermostat that can take the pressure off you.
How Regular Maintenance Can Keep Your House Cool
Air conditioners in Florida face challenges. It’s best to keep ACs running efficiently with regular maintenance to save money on cooling. During scheduled maintenance, an AC technician will:
- Clean outdoor coils
- Check the AC refrigerant level
- Clean evaporator coils
- Make sure your blower is functioning
A technician can provide tips on helping your unit work how you want it to during a routine maintenance check. Therefore, it’s a perfect time to ask questions about your system.
Stay Cool in Jacksonville, FL, With McGowan’s AC & Heating
Sure, we all love the weather in Jacksonville, but nobody likes to be hot at home. If you’re searching for ways to stay cool without spending a fortune on cooling costs, we want to help.
For more information or to schedule a service call, contact McGowan’s Heating & Air Conditioning today!
Image credit: Commercial RAF / Shutterstock
