As the world warms and the heat rises in New Jersey as summer nears, air conditioners are no longer a luxury but a true necessity. But as temperatures race near 90 and your finger hits that Honeywell button, what temperature are you putting it on?
It’s a debate as old as time, perhaps with partners, parents or roommates, but what is the ideal thermostat setting during the summer months in New Jersey? There is an optimal temperature that balances comfort that doesn’t break the bank so you can save up for summer excursions.
Here’s a guide to help keep you cool this summer.
What temp should your AC be set at?
To stay comfortable while saving money, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends the best AC setting in summer is 78 degrees when you are home.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends increasing the thermostat by 7 degrees when no one is home in the summer, so you can bump it up to 85 degrees.
Can I open windows at night to cool down my home? Should I turn AC off at night?
During high heat or humidity, it’s best to keep windows closed since you’d be introducing moist air into the home and allowing all that cool air that’s been inside to escape. Then, when you turn the AC unit back on, it’ll have to work harder to get the indoor air temperature back to a comfortable level. But what if the temperature outside is cooler than inside? Consider the moisture in the outdoor air, which could make the inside of your home feel — I don’t want to say it — moist. Eww.
Should I turn AC off when I’m at work, vacation?
Turning it down a bit while you are away can save you some money, but unless you’ll be gone for an extended period of time, having to kick it back on to bring the temp back down to comfortable might not be worth what you save by turning it off. You’ll also want to consider that keeping the air conditioning on will reduce humidity in the home, keeping mold and mildew in check, and also the comfort of any pets in the home.
Overall, if you’re gone just a few days, it’s best to keep the air conditioning unit on, but just bump up the degrees a bit higher. Extended vacay for a week or more? Consider turning it off to save money but use a programmable thermostat to begin to cool the home a day or two before you return. Smart!
Air conditioning energy saving tips; Is it OK to keep AC on all the time?
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has some hot weather tips to save on air conditioning costs with these tips that will save you money, even if you keep your A/C running all the time:
Close curtains and blinds. Keep direct sunlight out of the house to keep the inside from heating up.
Use a portable or ceiling fan. They don’t cool the air, but they help circulate air and improve comfort, while allowing you to raise your thermostat by 4 degrees without reducing comfort, according to the US Department of Energy. During summer, run ceiling fans counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze.
Replace or clean AC filters regularly. Experts recommend once or month or as needed to clean dirty or clogged filters, which make A/C units work harder.
Get a programmable thermostat or smart thermostat. These help prevent extra energy usage when you aren’t home.
Check your insulation or weatherstripping. If heat is getting into the house, your AC is working harder. Be sure to check old windows and doors and check the attic insulation.
Cut your electric bill elsewhere. Replace old, inefficient energy-sapping appliances like refrigerators and ovens; consider cooking outside or limit oven or stovetop use to reduce indoor heat; air dry your dishes; turn off lights when not in use; use cold water in your washing machine; and unplug appliances even when turned off, such as TVs, air fryers and video game consoles.
How often should I get my AC maintained?
Energy Star recommends you get your air conditioning system checked once a year. Techs get busy come summer, so spring is ideal.
Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: What’s a good AC temp? Here’s the best temperature to set your AC on