What's the best temperature to set your AC during hot weather?

The best temperature to set your air conditioner at can depend on several factors, including comfort preferences, energy efficiency, and cost savings.

As the latest heat wave looms, here are some general guidelines experts recommend for your air conditioner:

What is the best temperature to set your air conditioner?

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The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat at 78 degrees when you are at home and need cooling. It can be lowered at night to stay comfortable but the higher temperature you can tolerate, the more you can potentially save on your energy bill. A ceiling fan can help a bedroom feel cooler without lowering the thermostat as much.

Air conditioning energy efficiency tips

• Programmable thermostat: Use a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule. This can help save on energy costs without sacrificing comfort.
• Ceiling fans: Use ceiling fans in conjunction with your AC. Fans help circulate cool air, allowing you to set the thermostat a few degrees higher while maintaining comfort.
• Humidity control: In humid climates, controlling humidity is as important as temperature. Use the "dry" mode on your AC if it has one, or use a dehumidifier.
• Close windows: Close your window coverings during the day to reduce heat from sunlight. You can also open windows at night to naturally cool your home.

Additional air conditioning tips

According to the carrier, regular maintenance is important to ensure efficient operation. Here are some tips:

• Cleaning the outdoor coil: A dirty outdoor coil affects system performance by restricting airflow and heat transfer needed for proper cooling operation. Regularly clean the coil to maintain efficiency.
• Cleaning the evaporator coil: A dirty evaporator coil affects system performance by restricting airflow and heat transfer needed for proper cooling operation. It can also impact indoor air quality with the build-up of mold and bacteria. Ensure this coil is cleaned periodically.
• Checking refrigerant levels: Low refrigerant levels can reduce cooling capability, causing the system to run longer and use more energy trying to maintain comfort. Have refrigerant levels checked regularly by a professional.
• Cleaning and adjusting blower components: Your indoor blower circulates indoor air through the system and returns cool air back to your home. A poorly functioning blower can affect both comfort and energy costs. Regular maintenance of the blower components is essential for optimal performance.
• Installing a smart thermostat: As mentioned previously, installing a smart thermostat can help you more effectively manage your temperature settings. Consider having your dealer install one during a regular scheduled tune-up visit. Smart thermostats can optimize energy use and provide greater control over your home’s climate.

By incorporating these additional maintenance tasks, you can ensure your air conditioning system runs efficiently, maintains indoor air quality, and minimizes energy costs.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: What's the best temperature to set your AC during hot weather?