For starters, you can cover windows with an awning, shutters, or insulated curtains. In addition to installing an oversized ceiling fan or using floor fans, you can also try energy-efficient lightbulbs or heat-proofing your bed.
When temperatures exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit outside, setting your air conditioning (AC) to around 75-78 degrees Fahrenheit is generally considered efficient. Here are some reasons for this recommendation:
What's The Ideal AC Temperature? Generally, when you are at home, your A/C's ideal temperature is between 76- and 78-degrees Fahrenheit. If you spend most of the day away from the house, set the thermostat a few degrees higher instead of cooling your home for no reason.
For the most efficient performance, set the thermostat 20 degrees lower than the temperature outside. On a 100℉ day, set it to 78℉ to 80℉ to manage utility costs. If there's a lack of airflow, the filter may need to be changed or AC vents cleaned. But it may also mean your air conditioner needs professional repair.
Insufficient insulation: Without adequate insulation, conditioned air will escape through gaps and cracks in walls and ceilings, leading to temperature fluctuations that create hot spots.
You should put ice in front of your fan. Alongside its approval from Beatrice, Oleg Stepanchukovski, an interior design coordinator and home expert at Patio Productions, adds that this technique will offer relief from high temperatures quickly.
Rochester Electric and Gas recommends setting your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher, as each degree above 75 degrees saves 3% of energy on cooling. A higher internal temperature actually slows heat flowing into your living space, so it saves additional money on air conditioning.
The World Health Organization recommends a thermostat setting no lower than 68 degrees while you're home. If you have children or seniors in your house, that number increases to at least 70 degrees. If your house is too cold, it can cause problems with blood pressure and circulation, as well as affect your heart rate.
In theory, keeping a bucket of water in your room helps to keep it cool as the air absorbs the water from the bucket as it evaporates, reducing the temperature.
Materials such as concrete, bricks and tiles absorb and store heat. They are therefore said to have high thermal mass. Materials such as timber and cloth do not absorb and store heat and are said to have low thermal mass.
Although your first thought for cooling may be air conditioning, there are many alternatives that provide cooling with less energy use. You might also consider fans, evaporative coolers, or heat pumps as your primary means of cooling.
When water evaporates, it absorbs heat from its surroundings, cooling the surface it comes into contact with. So, by wetting your roof, you're essentially using evaporation to lower the temperature of the roof's surface and, in turn, the interior of your home.
Lay the cloth over the fan. As it blows the air out, it'll circulate through the cloth and the air will feel cooler. Make sure that the cloth cannot get caught on the fan in any way at all––if this is a possibility, don't use this method. Replace the cloth frequently, as they dry out.
While using ice to cool a room is a cost-efficient approach to beat the summer heat, it isn't the most effective solution. If you're in a larger room, the ice will most likely not be enough to keep the entire area cool. As a result, you'll have to figure out which area of the room you want to chill.
Home Damage Caused by High Heat
Roof: Rising temperatures in attics and top floors of the home can bring dampness and moisture, resulting in early deterioration of roof shingles. Flooring: High heat expands floorboards and causes them to warp. Hardwood flooring is especially susceptible to heat damage.
Since 72 degrees is generally agreed upon to be an ideal indoor temperature, most people would probably still feel comfortable setting their AC units slightly higher than this, perhaps at around 75.
Old or inefficient windows can allow heat to enter your home during hot weather and escape during colder months. Poorly insulated windows fail to keep out the heat, contributing to a warmer indoor environment.
What should my AC be set at if it's 90 degrees outside? If the outdoor temperature is 90 degrees, it's recommended to set your thermostat between 75-78 degrees.
Best AC Temperature Settings While You Are Home
As you consider the most comfortable room temperature for your lifestyle and family, keep in mind that for each degree that you set your thermostat above 72 degrees, you can save up to 3% on your energy bill.
On an average summer day, a general guideline is that your AC should operate between 12 and 16 hours. However, several factors can influence this, including the outdoor temperature, desired indoor temperature, the size and type of your unit, and your home's energy efficiency.