Finding the right temperature for your AC is important for both your wallet and your comfort. Still, given the extreme summer temperatures in Arizona, it can be hard not to go overboard with the thermostat setting since you always want the room temperature to be just the right kind of cool. So, then, at what temperature should your AC be set?
Whether it’s summer or winter, you just can’t function without your AC unit. That is why we’re here to deliver top-notch AC installation in Scottsdale, AZ and provide you with all the AC-related information you might need. Read on!
What should you set your thermostat at in the winter?
Winters in Arizona are mild, but you still don’t want to be chilly when you’re lounging in your living room. But if you want to be smart about savings, you should set your thermostat to 68°F during the day and lower your temperature settings while you’re sleeping or away by 10-15 degrees.
Why you should lower your AC temperature during winter
Lowering your thermostat settings can save you money in the winter, plain and simple. If you lower your temperature 7°–10° for 8 hours a day from your desired setting while you’re not home, you could save approximately 10% a year, according to the U.S Department of Energy. What’s more, your energy bills will be lower in mild climates if you do this, which is perfect for the winter time in Arizona.
Get a programmable thermostat
If you don’t want to worry about forgetting to set your thermostat and waking up to an uncomfortable temperature, you should think about purchasing a programmable thermostat. This way, you can preset weekly, weekend or vacation temperature schedules and save even more money.
At what temperature does air conditioning stop working?
In extreme temperatures, many homeowners start to notice that their AC is not cooling as well as it used to. Your AC unit may have a hard time when outside temperatures climb to 100°F because it needs outside temperatures to be lower than the heat released from the unit in order to work properly. Why does this happen?
Well, your air conditioner is simply not designed to work as well in extreme temperatures. In order to perform optimally in average temperatures, a typical AC is designed to be slightly less efficient in the extremes. This is why you’ll notice that you’re able to cool your home only to 80° when it’s 100° outside while your unit is usually capable of easily lowering the temperature to 70º.
However, there’s a problem here. How can you know whether your AC is less efficient because of the heat or if  there’s a problem with your AC compressor?
Here are some tips:
- If you notice that your AC starts to work better during the night or early in the morning when it’s cooler outside, the problem is probably just the extreme temperature.
- If your system manages to reach a temperature which is 20° lower than outside, it’s most likely working as well as it can in the extremes. If it is less efficient than this, you might be facing a symptom of a faulty AC compressor.
- If you notice any other issues with the unit, such as leaks or strange noises, you probably need to have your AC serviced.
What should my AC be set at in summer?
Given the extreme Arizona heat, your AC unit is surely working at full speed during the summer months. Not only is this expensive, but it can also damage your AC system if you’re not smart about it. Luckily, we’ve already covered the recommendations for winter since similar principles apply here as well.
Set your thermostat to a slightly higher temperature
Just as you would lower your temperature settings in winter, you should bump the number up a little in summer if you want to save energy. This is because your AC uses up a lot of energy if it has to maintain a much lower interior temperature.
Moreover, if you set a higher temperature, you’ll slow down the flow of heat into the house. This is why you should raise your thermostat setting to around 75-80° if the outside temp is 100° and you’ll notice a significant difference in your energy bills. Â
Program your thermostat
If you have a programmable thermostat, you’ll be able to set higher temperatures while you’re away and cool down the house when you return. If you spend 8 hours away from home every day, you’ll actually save more if you leave your AC running at a higher setting than if you turn it off. You’ll also find it easier to cool down if you don’t let the house overheat while you’re away.
Get superb AC installation services in Scottsdale, Arizona  Â
When you know how to use your AC wisely, the summer heat won’t bother you at all. You won’t even need to cool down at the McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic & Fitness Center every day since the temperature at your home will be perfectly pleasant and you won’t waste a dime. Â
If you live in Scottsdale and you’re thinking of getting a new air conditioner, we have just what you need. Count on the expert technicians at Hughes Air to install your AC swiftly, efficiently and professionally. Call us today and see why our experienced technicians are the best in the area!