Tennessee heat index: What's the best temperature to set your air conditioner thermostat?
Summer is on its way and nothing says Tennessee summer like a good ole humid heat.
A big concern for many people is how to keep the bills down while keeping the air conditioning up. While there isn't a foolproof method on how to do this, there are many tips and tricks that can help you along the way.
With another hot summer on the way, let's look into all the ways you can try to save money while saving yourself from the heat this summer.
Is summer 2024 going to be hotter than last year?
It is very likely that this coming summer is hotter than last summer. The start of 2024 and the past 12 months have new records for high temperatures. April contributed to an 11-month streak where global air temperatures hit a new monthly recorded high.
Scientists warn that temperatures across most of the nation are expected to be warmer than normal this summer.
What temperature should I set my A/C unit to in Tennessee?
There is no straight answer to the question of the best temperature to set the A/C to. There are recommended methods for determining the best temperature for you, but each house will have different needs compared to others.
Set the temperature to what feels comfortable for you and your household.
Consider the health conditions of the people in your home.
Think about how well insulated your home is against heat.
Consider other cooling options you have like fans and window units.
Think about how much running your A/C will increase your electricity bill.
The lower the temperature, the higher the bills and the more your unit will have to work. This could end up causing you to need more maintenance and repairs. The best method is to set the thermostat at the highest comfortable temperature and find other ways to cool your place.
Should you turn to temperature to 78 degrees?
For a long time, 78 degrees has been the number everyone drops in their "stay cool" guides. When the media and electric utility companies promote 78 degrees they often refer to Energy Star, a program run by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that has become synonymous with energy-efficient appliances. But Energy Star doesn't recommend any specific temperature.
Should I turn my A/C off and open windows at night?
While the idea of turning off the a/c and opening the windows works in theory, it doesn't work as well when your lows are in the upper 60s and 70s for months at a time.
In Memphis last summer, the average low temperature between June, July and August was 72.5 degrees. For Nashville, the average temperature during the same time period was 69.1 degrees. Knoxville has an average temperature of 66.6 degrees during the same time period.
While these temperatures may be more bearable to some, most people want to have the cool A/C blowing while they sleep. In the long run, this would also end up costing you more money than you would be saving. The work required by the A/C unit to get to the desired temperatures during the day would end up being about the same cost as letting it run all night.
Should I turn off my A/C when I'm at work or on vacation?
It can save you money to turn the temperature up while you're gone, but turning off the system would cost more money. If you'll be gone for a week or more, it would be worth it to turn off the system.
For daily travel into the office or even a weekend away, it won't do much to help with bills.
How to keep bills under control while running A/C nonstop?
Even if you're running your A/C nonstop, there are plenty of ways to give your air conditioner less to do.
Use a programmable or smart thermostat. Raise the temps to 78-82 or more while you're at work, away or during the night.
Use the fan. Fans don't cool the air but they do make you feel better as the moving air cools your skin and helps your body evaporate sweat. Turn on your ceiling fans and put smaller fans around the place to keep your air circulating. Be sure to turn them off when you leave the room for more savings.
Change your A/C filter regularly. Easy to do, and it does wonders to help your A/C help you. Dirty or clogged filters make A/C units work harder. Don't use a heavier filter than you need. Some promise to filter out all viruses, contaminants and pet dander, but they also choke airflow and may make your A/C work harder. The government's Energy Star program suggests changing your A/C filter every three months but says if it looks dirty after a month go ahead and swap it out.
Close curtains and blinds. Keeping direct sunlight out of the house helps keep the inside from heating up.
Keep vents clear. Blocking A/C vents blocks airflow. You want airflow so the room will cool to the temp the thermostat is set at.
Check your insulation and weatherstripping. If heat is getting into the house (and cool air is getting out) your A/C has to work harder. Check the weatherstripping around windows and doors and make sure your attic is insulated.
Close doors and vents of rooms you're not using. Close the vents in your guest room, utility room or any space you don't use regularly and keep the door closed. However, don't close off any rooms that connect to other rooms you do use, otherwise you'll block airflow through the area.
Cut your electric bill elsewhere. Unplug equipment and appliances that use energy even when turned off, such as TVs, air fryers and video game consoles. Turn lights off if you're not using them. Lower your water heat temp to 120. Use cold water in the washing machine. Use smaller appliances in the kitchen.
Keep your A/C maintained and healthy. A/C repair companies are busy in the summer, and if yours breaks down, they might not be able to get to you right away. Keep yours in good shape before it starts to make weird noises.
What to do to keep A/C unit maintained?
To keep an A/C unit maintained, it is recommended to change or clean air filters every month, keep leaves and shrubbery away from the outdoor unit to avoid blocking airflow, and keep outdoor drains clear and unclogged.
When does my A/C unit need to be replaced?
The obvious answer is when it stops working, but there are other signs that it is on its way out.
Can't keep house below 78 degrees
Ten to fifteen years old
Energy bills skyrocketed
Continuously needed maintenance
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Tennessee summer: Use these A/C settings when weather gets hot