The Best Temperature To Set Your AC To In Summer If You Live In Arizona

If you live in the southwest, especially in the state of Arizona, the term scorcher easily applies to the months June through August. While it's a dry heat, it can still really affect the life of your air-conditioning unit, your utility bills, and not to mention the comfort of your home. It may sound great to crank the air-conditioning as high as it will go to keep cool, but this could cause issues with your unit down the line, including costly repairs. So, what temperature should you set it to keep your house comfortable but also avoid breaking the bank? It seems that 78 degrees is the optimal setting for those residing in Arizona during the hotter months.

Keep in mind, this is just a recommendation according to various studies that explain this is the best temperature to save money and your unit. However, this is also dependent on how you feel when you're at home. If this is too hot, lower the temp, but know that with every degree you raise the temperature for your air condition, you can save up to 3% on your utility payment. But what about when you're away from home? While 78 degrees is the best temperature for your home during summer, it can be a set little higher when you're gone to help save money.

Because 78 degrees helps keep your home cooler without putting too much strain on your unit, it's a good temperature to have when people are around. Also, if you're a restless sleeper, setting a higher temperature during the day can help balance out costs when you need to lower it back down at night. However, some days may require you to drop the temp during the daytime, but try utilizing other cooling methods to help relieve your air conditioning unit. 

Other things you can do to keep your home cooler in the heat include using fans in the rooms you're spending time in, which can increase air flow and help the air conditioning throughout each room. Some may consider using a safe portable air conditioner when they're home, but these also require electricity and could cost just as much, if not more, than central air. Another AC efficiency tip includes using a cool mist humidifier, which doesn't require a lot of electrical output while cooling areas down.

If you're planning on traveling or being away for an extended amount of time, you can add up to 10 degrees to your base temperature. By keeping it warmer than you usually would in the summer, and combining this with keeping it cooler than you would in winter while away, you could save 10% on your yearly utility bills. If no one is home and the house is well insulated and cooler than it is outside, this could be a great way to avoid the usual spike in expenses when the weather reaches 100 degrees or above. Another tip is to always close the curtains to help keep the interior cooler. Many new thermostats and units also have eco mode which you can set up to regulate your space. These can often be controlled by your phone and an app so you can adjust the temperature remotely. 

This would be helpful to lower the temperature if you have guests come by to check on the house. It also means if the temperature outside gets hotter, you can lower the interior temperature, especially if you have plants or other things you want to keep in a controlled climate. It comes down to finding what works for your space, but saving money and putting less work on your air conditioning unit to prolong it's life is always a pro to these tips!