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Indiana summers are notoriously hot. If it’s not the humidity, it’s a faulty AC holding you back. Most homeowners opt to keep their home air conditioner at a steady cooling pace throughout the summer months.

While this may provide temporary relief, the amount of money required to maintain a consistent temperature is a significant expense for some. Either way, there is a temperature setting for your AC that will provide the relief you need. In this piece, we’ll tell you what temperature to set the air conditioner to in the summer, including regional and federal recommendations.

Recommended AC Settings by the U.S. Department of Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy supplies guidelines for Indiana and Michigan homeowners to follow during the hotter months. These AC recommendations make it easier for homeowners to regulate cool airflow from June to late August.

The DOE recommends that homeowners keep their home air conditioners at 78°F while inside their homes. You can then save money by setting the thermostat to 80°F (82-85°F) while at work or not at home.  Maintaining your home at a standard temperature of 78°F promotes energy efficiency by preventing overwork of your unit. The less money you spend on AC, the longer your unit will last.

The Ideal Temperature for Comfort and Energy Savings

Most homeowners will see the number 78°F and panic. Why such a high number? The answer is savings and energy efficiency. 72°F seems to be the ideal, neutral temperature for homeowners to keep their AC at. It boasts comfort, consistent cool, and some energy efficiency. 

The best way to determine the ideal temperature for your home is to consider your priorities. If you’re looking to keep energy costs down, consider setting your AC to 72°F. If you’re more concerned about energy efficiency, keep the temperature at 78°F.

How Temperature Preferences Vary by Time of Day

Indiana and Michigan residents may have varying ideas about what’s considered the ‘ideal’ indoor temperature. This is because there are several impactful factors to consider, including location, heat index, and time of day. 

You need to consider your location's peak heat levels to determine when to turn on your AC. Michigan and Indiana experience peak heat during the summer months, around 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm. From there, heat persists until the evening, then dips. Most residents will turn up the air conditioner at this time.  For more information about our AC services in your area, call us. We provide fast-acting air conditioning assistance in areas such as Fort Wayne and Niles.

Best AC Temperature When You’re Not Home

You can save money and take advantage of your AC when you’re not home. Each time you set your AC to 72°F and above, you cut costs by 3%—imagine the long-term benefits. A good way to implement this is to set your thermostat to increase the indoor AC level by 10°F while you’re away.

How Indoor Humidity Affects Cooling and Comfort

Indoor humidity, whether originating from an outdoor source or produced internally, can be uncomfortable. In turn, it’s harder for your AC to expel it. This is why staying educated about the current condition of your air conditioner is essential.

You want your AC to be in perfect condition when summer arrives. When indoor humidity infiltrates your AC, it directly impacts comfort in several distinct ways: a decline in efficiency, increased body heat, and a warped perception of temperature. 

If you’re worried that the humidity rate in your home is too high, call Home Comfort Experts at (574) 221-8595. We’re happy to conduct a unit inspection to see if it’s internalized any damage.

Using Smart Thermostats to Maximize Efficiency

Upgraded units have made it easier to track the temperature changes in an AC. Smart thermostats allow homeowners to set time limits on AC cycles, maximizing energy efficiency and saving money.

Simply tell your thermostat when you want it to maintain a consistent temperature and when you want it to increase. Programmable thermostats are an excellent option for those on the go, as they enable homeowners to control their temperature from anywhere. You can even set your thermostat to produce air according to the time of day. Hotter outdoor temperature, more indoor cool air on command. 

Energy-Saving Tips 

For those looking for alternative ways to cool down your home, we’re here to help. You don’t need to rely solely on your thermostat to combat high heat. 

Home Comfort Experts recommend trying out these at-home energy-saving tips amid summer heat:

1) Install a Ceiling Fan: More affordable than running the air conditioner, ceiling fans are an excellent way to maintain comfort during the summer months. This is an accessible way to promote energy efficiency without the frills.

2) Install a Programmable Thermostat: Programmable thermostats give you the freedom to control the type of air that passes through your home, even when you’re not there. Increasing the temperature by a few degrees when you’re not home significantly improves energy efficiency.

3) Don’t Rely on Your Thermostat for Comfort: You don’t always need to rely on your thermostat to stay cool. Closing the blinds, using a dehumidifier, and improving ventilation can all help you stay comfortable and save on energy costs.

Keep Your Home Comfortable With Home Comfort Experts 

The goal is to stay comfortable year-round. If this means installing a brand new air conditioning unit or heat pump in place of an aging or broken one, we can do it.

Maintain a comfortable temperature in your home with the help of Home Comfort Experts in both Indiana and Michigan. With over 19 years of industry experience, we can identify and remediate AC vulnerabilities in record time. We also provide top-rated heating and cooling maintenance, including mini-split services. This way, you stay protected against unbearable summer weather. Contact Home Comfort Experts for lasting home comfort.