What Is The Best Temperature For AC

Did you know that the average US home's electric bills are 12% or more due to air conditioning? This percentage can increase even more during the peak of summer, making it one of the primary factors of energy use. The amount of energy required to keep your house cool is important, so choosing the ideal temperature can improve both comfort and cost savings. If you set your air conditioning unit too much this may lead to the raise of your energy costs and lead your AC system to work harder. Setting it too low may make you feel uncomfortable in your own house.

So the question arises: What then is the ideal temperature for your AC system at which everything is in perfect balance? In this blog we will explore how air filters work, what the ideal AC temperature is for summers and some common misconceptions about air conditioning. So to maximize the performance of your AC system and enhance the quality of the air inside your home you can be aware of these aspects.

Understanding AC Functionality

An air conditioning (AC) system is an important part of the air filter that keeps the air in your house clean and provides proper functioning of your cooling system. Before the air is circulated throughout your living area, its primary function is to capture and remove airborne particles such as dust, pollen, pet hair, mold spores, and other allergens. This keeps the AC unit safe from damage from dirt and debris getting collected and also contributes to a healthier atmosphere. A clean filter also guarantees that the cold air generated by an air conditioning system is free of contaminants, which adds to the comfort of your house during hot weather.

How Does An AC Work?

Step 1: Warm air from your home is pulled into the air conditioner through a return duct. This duct is usually located near the baseboards or ceiling.

Step 2: The air then goes through the return duct and passes through the AC filter, which is typically placed near the blower fan.

Step 3: The filter, usually made of mesh or fiber, traps dust, pollen, and other pollutants in the air. As the air moves through the filter, these particles are caught and removed.

Step 4: After being filtered, the air passes through the evaporator coils, which cool it using a refrigerant. The cool air is then sent back into your home through supply ducts, helping to keep your space comfortable.

Know more about: How your AC filter gets dirty more quickly.

Knowing The Best Suitable Temperature In Summers

During hot summer days it is important to have an AC temperature that is suitable for everyone living in your house and it provides comfort and a healthier atmosphere for each living organism.

1. For Humans

When it comes to setting an ideal room temperature for humans, then it can vary from person to person depending upon the needs and requirements of cool air. The AC temperature varies for adults, children, and seniors. For adults, the best temperature is usually between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit in summers. But the temperature decreases in case there are young children or seniors present in your house.

The AC temperature cannot be set the same throughout the day; it can vary depending upon the daytime and temperature outside. Most individuals find that 60 to 67 degrees is a comfortable temperature for sleeping, and people like to sleep more in lower temperatures. Since air conditioning lowers humidity, a temperature that is comfortable outside may feel cooler indoors. You may have to raise your thermostat a little bit higher than your ideal outside temperature to be comfortable indoors.

2. For Pets and Plants

If you are an individual who loves to live with other living things, such as plants and animals, then you need to consider the ideal temperature for them. Most animals and plants can survive in temperatures higher than those of humans, so think of their ideal temperature as well. If you are an individual who goes to work, then you should avoid switching off your AC when you leave since this will affect your pet.

While you leave, adjust your AC as per the requirements of your dog so that they feel comfortable and happy in the indoor space. The average dog can tolerate a maximum temperature of 82 degrees on the thermostat, while dogs with a thick coat of breeds such as huskies need a temperature below 75. Cats can tolerate temperatures as high as 85 degrees because of their higher heat tolerance. Since the temperature varies from pet to pet, make sure you find out what temperature is best for pets.

3. For Reducing Energy Usage

It is very difficult to maintain an AC temperature that is ideal for everyone present in the house since different people need different AC temperatures. Along with that, the AC consumes a lot of electricity, which can definitely increase your electricity bills. So, it is very important to choose the correct AC temperature to prevent energy waste and excessive power costs. The simple question that arises in such a case is, "What is the perfect AC temperature to save energy and be comfortable at the same time?"

So the appropriate answer for this question is that you should raise the thermostat as it will help you to save energy as it will reduce the overall time the air conditioner runs and putting it off for certain hours of the day further minimizes energy use. Although turning off the air conditioning unit on hot summer days is difficult, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests that you set it to 77 degrees to balance comfort and cost-effectiveness.

4. For Maintaining Your AC

One of the most important things that you need to consider when setting an AC temperature is to set a temperature that will extend the life of your air conditioner. When you set your AC temperature, make sure you keep a lower temperature than the outdoor temperature so that you do not have to run it for the entire day. This is done since most AC units function best when they have some time to rest and cool down.

However, it is not good to turn on and off frequently because this creates wear and tear on your air conditioning system due to the constant movement of its parts. The majority of AC systems function best when the thermostat is set between 66 and 78 degrees. To effectively maintain your AC, it's important to find an ideal temperature that keeps you comfortable while also ensuring the system operates efficiently.

Benefits Of Optimal Temperature Settings

1. Saves Energy

Energy Savings: You can save energy by just increasing the thermostat a few degrees and by doing this you may reduce the amount of electricity used by 3-5% for every degree that you raise the temperature. This keeps your house cool while resulting in cheaper energy costs. Smart thermostats may make life even easier while maintaining comfort standards as they have the ability to automatically control the temperature.

2. Better Air Quality

Air conditioning systems improve indoor air quality by removing dust, pollutants, and allergies. They also control humidity when given adequate attention, which results in a healthier atmosphere. This may enhance your family's general health as it will lower allergies, diseases, and respiratory issues.

3. Better Sleep Quality

When summers come, it is important to keep the air cool so that you get an effective sleep. Using air conditioning keeps the bedroom at a comfortable temperature in which your body relaxes and becomes ready for sleep. You may sleep deeper and for longer periods of time in cooler temperatures, which allows you to wake up feeling refreshed and encouraged.

4. Increases Productivity

Being in a calm, cozy space helps you focus and finish tasks. Air conditioning really helps you stay focused even when the temperature is hot and you are not able to focus on your work properly. Maintaining a controlled temperature improves performance and productivity whether you work in an office environment or doing work from home.

5. Reduces Asthma Symptoms

Causes of asthma include mold, dust, and pollen, all of which are filtered out when you properly maintain your air conditioning machinery. Air conditioning lowers the chance of attacks of asthma by maintaining low humidity levels. Asthma and allergy sufferers may continue to breathe in a safe and comfortable atmosphere because of your air conditioner's regular cleaning and filter replacement.

6. Protects AC System Components

By maintaining your AC system at its ideal temperature, you could reduce the pressure on its components. High temperatures have a chance to overload the system, resulting in damage to important parts like the fan motors and compressor. You can increase the expected lifespan of your air conditioning system and lower the risk of expensive repairs or part replacements by maintaining your thermostat at an appropriate temperature.

7. Reduced Noise Levels

You can block out outside noises like traffic, construction, and noisy neighbors by keeping your windows and doors closed when you have air conditioning. This makes the indoor space peaceful and less noisy, making it easier for you to work, rest, or sleep. Your overall comfort may have been significantly enhanced by greater silence and decreased noise.

Common Misconceptions About AC Temperature

Many myths exist regarding the functioning of air conditioners, which can cause uncertainty regarding their effectiveness, possible negative health effects, and maintenance requirements. Some of these common misconceptions about AC are mentioned below.

1. AC Outdoor Units Can Be Placed Anywhere

A lot of customers believe that they may place their air conditioning system's outside unit anywhere, but that is not the truth. Since the efficiency and functionality of the air conditioner depend on where the outside unit is placed. If you place the outside unit of the AC in a small space with inadequate ventilation, then it may overheat, which will make the system work harder but not as effectively. So your outside unit needs sufficient airflow for spreading the heat that is collected.

2. A Lower Temperature Promotes Quicker Cooling

Another common misunderstanding is that the room will cool down faster if your air conditioner is set very low. In actuality, regardless of how low you set the temperature, the air conditioner runs at the same speed. A lower setting doesn't cause the system to cool down more quickly; instead, it just keeps running until the desired temperature is reached. In such cases, the AC will have to run longer to reach a low temperature, which may result in wastage of electricity.

3. You Can Catch a Cold from Your Air Conditioner

It's a common misconception that staying in a cool environment with air conditioning may cause illness, but this is not true. Since it is not the air temperature that causes colds but the viruses present around. Air conditioning can help a room feel colder, but it cannot make someone sick. If an air conditioning system isn't kept up properly, it might spread mold, allergens, or dust that might harm your respiratory system. To maintain the quality of the air in your house, you must clean your air conditioning unit on a regular basis.

Conclusion

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