Best AC Temperature in Summer for North and South Carolina
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As the hot, humid summer approaches in North and South Carolina, you may wonder: What’s the best air conditioner temperature for summer?
Around 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit is a great place to start, though the exact temperature you need depends on a few factors.
The size and layout of your home, your goals for energy consumption, and your budget all affect the temperature you should choose for summer cooling. After all, the number that works for your neighbor might not work for you.
Brother Air has been in the business for over 30 years, so we’re happy to share our knowledge to help you get the most out of your AC unit. Our in-depth guide shares energy-saving tips, the importance of humidity levels, and why you should try useful tools like programmable thermostats and moisture meters.
Table of Contents
Major Health Reasons to Use Air Conditioning in the Summer
Ideal Temperature Settings for Your Home
Benefits of Using a Programmable Thermostat
5 Important Details to Consider When Adjusting Your Temperature
The Dos and Don’ts of Conserving Electricity
How to Adjust Settings to Meet Your Cooling Needs
Quick Tips to Keep Your Air Conditioning Running Smoothly
Call Brothers for Expert Air Conditioning Service
Major Health Reasons to Use Air Conditioning in the Summer
Air conditioning sometimes feels like a luxury, but most people need to use their AC in the summer. Young children, older adults, and anyone prone to heat sickness require a cool space to stay safe and healthy during a heat wave.
Heat waves can increase your risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, especially if you don’t have effective cooling at home. Even a mild heat-related illness can create severe complications for certain populations, especially if you have pre-existing conditions like diabetes or respiratory issues.
Additionally, your home needs air conditioning to control humidity levels. Without it, the area’s high humidity could damage your furniture, electronics, and flooring.
Has your air conditioner broken down lately? Don’t take your chances on a sweltering North Carolina or South Carolina summer. Our repair services will not only fix it back up, but we’ll share valuable knowledge on optimizing and reviewing your unit for peak performance.
Ideal Temperature Settings for Your Home
The best air conditioner temperature for summer is around 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The right number depends on your budget, preferences, and even the time of day. You might have reasons to set the thermostat lower or higher, but you’ll get the best results within this range.
Typically, you should choose a number that feels cool and comfortable, but not so cool or warm that you need to make constant adjustments. Setting the temperature higher can help you save money on energy usage, depending on the ambient temperature and the season.
For the average American, the optimal indoor temperature is 71 degrees throughout the day and night, although there are some regional distinctions.
Benefits of Using a Programmable Thermostat
Did you know you can save up to 10% a year on cooling costs by turning your thermostat back 7–10 degrees from its normal setting? Doing this for at least eight hours a day will go a long way toward helping you manage your energy bills.
If you want to maximize your energy efficiency without compromising comfort during the summer, consider installing and using a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats offer many great features, such as the ability to set temperatures for individual days and adjust cooling to when you’re most likely to need it.
The latest models sync seamlessly with your smart devices and hubs. Learning how to create and adjust the settings can make saving energy while you’re at work or sleeping much easier.
5 Important Details to Consider When Adjusting Your Temperature
Each home operates differently due to different designs, comfort levels, and occupancy types. As such, consider these details when adjusting your AC temperature in summer.
1. Narrow Your Comfort Levels
Do you prefer a cool, slightly arid home all day long, or are you the type to turn on the AC only when tucking away for the night? Narrowing your comfort level will give you some predictability when adjusting your temperature, making it easier to control your energy usage and stay on budget.
This predictability also means you can track deviations in your routine and make quick adjustments.
2. Adjust When You’re Away From Home
If you plan on being away for an extended period of time, adjust your programmable thermostat to regulate temperature in your absence. Not only will this feature keep your home comfortable when you return, it can help maintain an inhospitable environment for mold.
Mold thrives in warm, moist environments, so proactively controlling your temperature can help prevent buildup.
You can also adjust between auto and on fan settings to further customize your AC unit.
3. Closely Track Your Humidity Levels
Speaking of moist environments, South Carolina’s humid climate means you’ll have to keep a close eye on your home’s humidity levels, which you can check with a handy moisture meter. If your home is too humid, you could create a breeding ground for mold.
A humid home can make you feel uncomfortably sticky or warm during the summer. According to the EPA, it can also make asthma worse or cause nasal and throat congestion.
4. Consider Using Your Ceiling Fan
Adjusting your AC temperature in summer means using every item at your disposal, so try combining your ceiling fan with your HVAC. This method spreads the cool air further through the house and achieves a much more comfortable temperature in less time.
This approach also reduces the need to keep your HVAC on for long periods of time, saving you a little money in the process.
5. Upgrade Your Programmable Thermostat
Is your programmable thermostat a little old? Do you suspect its readings may not be accurate? It may be a good idea to get a professional eye on it so you can continue reaping the environmental and financial benefits.
At Brother Air, we know how important a simple check-up can be for keeping your home in top shape. If you want us to take a look at your thermostat or suggest ways to reduce your humidity levels, simply schedule an appointment. We’re happy to help.
The Dos and Don’ts of Conserving Electricity
These tried-and-tested tips will keep cold air in your home and give you more bang for your buck.
Do: Insulate Your Home Thoroughly
Adjusting your AC temperature in the summer with a programmable thermostat is just the start. You need to insulate your home to make sure all that cold air isn’t seeping right back out and wasting your money.
You can insulate your home by purchasing weather strips and pressing them into the thin gaps between your doors and windows. If your home is extremely drafty, it may even be worth reinstalling a few windows or doors to conserve energy down the line.
Additionally, Energy Star found that crawlspaces, attics, and basements are some of the biggest contributors to costly air leaks.
Don’t: Open Your Windows While Using AC
While you may want a mixture of cold and fresh air, opening your windows will simply suck all your hard-earned money out. You’ll also put a little more strain on your filters since you’ll be bringing in dust or pollen from outside.
If you want to ventilate your home, time your AC usage strategically to get the best of both worlds. Open your windows first to get fresh air, then close them before using your HVAC.
Do: Replace Your Air Filters
North Carolina is known for high pollen levels that sometimes bleed into May and June, putting extra strain on your AC’s filters. While you normally don’t need to change your filters more than once every two or three months, pollen season may prompt you to change them monthly.
Clean filters mean your unit doesn’t strain itself too hard to do a good job, reducing electricity usage and saving you money. Regularly swapping out your filters will also do a better job at filtering other contaminants in the air besides pollen.
Don’t: Overlook the Benefits of a Good Fan
Sometimes the weather gives you a break, letting you adjust your AC temperature less often. A good fan can give you a spot of relief in a specific part of the room while giving your AC a break.
Do: Get Your HVAC Checked Yearly
AC tune-ups are essential for spotting minor issues before they escalate into major problems. When’s the last time you had a professional take a close look at your AC to make sure it’s working properly?
If it’s been a while, don’t worry. Our fast, convenient tune-ups take a look at your AC’s inner parts to make sure everything is in working order. We double-check dirty filters, calibrate for energy efficiency, and clean components to reduce surprise breakdowns.
If you’re constantly adjusting your AC temperature in the summer with little effect on your home, or just want to double-check your system, we’re only a call away.
How to Adjust Settings to Meet Your Cooling Needs
Your cooling needs might differ based on your home’s square footage and layout. If you own a smaller home or a unit in a multifamily building, you might be able to raise the temperature without feeling too warm.
Larger homes, especially those with open floor plans, might need a cooler temperature to keep each room comfortable.
The humidity in your home also affects the level of cooling you need. Regions with humid summers, including North and South Carolina, often feel hotter than areas with dry air. Lowering the humidity in the home will make it feel cooler.
If you struggle with excess humidity, particularly in rooms such as the bathroom or basement, consider using a dehumidifier.
Don’t think you can afford a consultation or tune-up? We offer specials and deals on a rolling basis to help homeowners get the help they need during the summer.
Talk to Our Team About Your Cooling Needs
Quick Tips to Keep Your Air Conditioning Running Smoothly
While your air conditioning system works overtime to handle the cooling load, you’ll want to do everything possible to maintain its condition. A little investment in the spring and throughout the summer can help improve your energy efficiency and minimize the risk of an unexpected breakdown.
Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to change your filters, then keep the exterior unit clear so it has plenty of airflow. Schedule annual maintenance in the spring so that our technicians can check out your system and confirm that it is ready for the cooling season.
Call Brothers for Expert Air Conditioning Service
Maintaining your AC temperature in the summer takes work; our technicians will help you handle the load. Our team has years of experience with air conditioning systems in North and South Carolina, from installation and replacement to maintenance and repairs.
At Brothers, we appreciate how much you need effective cooling to stay comfortable and safe throughout the hot, humid summer. We provide comprehensive service for air conditioning systems, so you never need to wonder who to call when you have a question or a problem.
You deserve to have a comfortable home in any season, and the experts at Brothers are here to assist. Schedule an appointment with us to enjoy fast, friendly service and your most enjoyable summer yet.
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