Atlanta summers are notoriously hot and humid, leaving local homeowners searching for ways to stay cool without sending their energy bills skyrocketing. If you set your thermostat too low, your air conditioner will run constantly, driving up costs. Set it too high, and your living room will feel just as sticky as the Georgia outdoors. So, what is the best AC temperature to use in the summer to balance comfort and savings?
When You Are at Home vs. Away
For most people, the ideal daytime temperature while at home falls between 72°F and 78°F. If you want to maximize your savings, we recommend starting at 78°F. If that feels too warm, nudge it down just one degree at a time over a couple of days until you find your household’s sweet spot.
The energy-efficiency struggle is when you leave your home for the day and turn the system off or set it to 5 degrees warmer, thinking you are saving money. The reality is that the system works harder to drop 5 degrees in a short time during the warmest part of the day. At Comfort Professionals, we preach setting your thermostat to whatever you are comfortable with and leaving it alone.
Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
At night, your body naturally cools down to sleep. The National Sleep Foundation suggests a bedroom temperature between 60°F and 67°F for optimal rest. However, because Atlanta nights are cooler than the daytime peaks, you can also view this as a chance to save. Bumping your thermostat up by 4°F at night can noticeably cut your energy usage without ruining your sleep. To automate your indoor climate, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat.
Easy Ways to Keep the House Cooler
To give your air conditioner a break, try these simple, cost-free tricks:
- Block the sun: Close your blinds and curtains during peak daylight hours.
- Skip midday heat: Avoid using your oven, stove, or clothes dryer until after the sun goes down.
- Use ceiling fans: Moving air creates a wind-chill effect, making you feel cooler.
Ready to automate your savings? Contact the team at Comfort Professionals today to learn more about installing a smart, programmable thermostat for your Atlanta home! Call or text us at (770) 756-5600.