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Figuring out the best thermostat temperature during the summer in Maryland can be a challenge. On the one hand, this is the season when you want to use your air conditioner the most, but you also don’t want to break the bank by cooling down your home or putting excessive wear on your HVAC system.

What thermostat setting perfectly balances comfort and efficiency? While that number will fluctuate depending on personal preference, experts have decided on a couple of ideal AC temperatures you can use for reference.

The Best AC Temperature When You’re Home

While you’re home, 78 degrees is often the ideal temperature for your AC. If this is too hot for you and your family, you can progressively lower it by one degree until you find the perfect setting. However, it’s important to note that each degree lower can increase your utility expenses by 3 to 5 percent. 

The Best AC Temperature When You’re Sleeping

This will also largely depend on your preference; many of us find it hard to sleep at night if the temperature isn’t optimal. That said, if you’re flexible, keeping the AC around 70 degrees can help ensure you stay cool while minimizing your energy spending.

How to Maximize Your Cooling Efforts

If 78 degrees seems hot to you, but you’re reluctant to lower the thermostat, there are other ways to keep yourself cool without increasing energy costs:

• Running ceiling fans with your AC will circulate the cooled air more effectively. Fans also create wind chill and can make people sitting in the fan’s range of effect up to four degrees cooler, which allows you to keep the temperature on your thermostat higher.

• Keep your curtains and blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day to block out direct sunlight and prevent heat from entering your home. You can also hang up window treatments to better keep the heat out.

• During the early mornings and evenings, open windows and doors to take advantage of natural breezes and promote cross-ventilation before the sun starts to peak.

• High humidity will be one of your biggest obstacles in maintaining a comfortable temperature for your home, as it can make an 80-degree day feel like a 90-degree day. Air conditioners and heat pumps naturally pull moisture out of your indoor air, but you can also invest in dehumidifying equipment to further combat indoor humidity levels. For optimal comfort, keep your home’s humidity levels between 40 to 60 percent.

• Limit the use of appliances that produce heat, such as ovens and dishwashers, until the evening when your home isn’t absorbing heat from the sun. Cooking outside with your grill during the summer months can help.

The Best AC Temperature When You’re Away

When you’re at work, traveling or otherwise away from home, setting your AC to 88 degrees can help you save a lot of money. If no one’s home, there’s no reason to keep the air conditioner running all day. One of the benefits of smart thermostats is the learning functionality. If it knows you come home at 5 p.m. every day, it will turn on your air conditioning at the right time to ensure your home is comfortable by the time you arrive.

How to Conserve Energy During the Summer

• Schedule regular maintenance for your AC unit to make sure it continues to operate efficiently. Clean or replace air filters regularly when needed to promote proper airflow. Home Air Services’ experts can help maintain and repair your AC.

• Seal any leaks and consider investing in windows or door with higher U-values, like double or triple pain windows. By properly insulating your home, you can prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering.

• Invest in a learning smart thermostat that can adjust the temperature to your schedule automatically, saving money and energy when you're away. That way, even if you forget to change the thermostat when you leave, the machine will have you covered.

For AC Maintenance, Repairs and Replacement, We’ll Get the Job Done Quick and Hassle-Free

Since 1953, homeowners in Rockville, MD, have trusted Home Air Services to assist with their heating and cooling needs. If your AC breaks down during the hottest months of the year, you can rely on our 24/7 emergency services. Anywhere, anytime – we’ll work hard to fix the problem as fast as possible and get cool air flowing through your home again.

Call us today at (301) 585-8100 or visit us online to get a free estimate.