May 2, 2025
Wifi 9000 Color Touchscreen Thermostat in Fort Meyers, FL

Homeowners in Southwest Florida face the challenge of dealing with summers that are long, hot, and wet. When you’re considering what temperature to set your air conditioner in the summer, it’s essential to be purposeful about your thermostat setting. 

With our expertise, we’re here to help you ensure your home remains comfortable throughout the summer. In this guide, we will provide you with the necessary air conditioner settings, crucial tips, and information to yield sufficient comfort, energy efficiency, and cost savings for your home. 

Recommendations from U.S. Department of Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees for optimal comfort and energy savings. If you’re looking to keep your cooling bill at its lowest, they recommend adjusting the thermostat setting as close to the outdoor temperature as comfortably possible.

The Role of Your AC’s Size in Temperature Efficiency

The size of your air conditioning unit plays a crucial role in its efficiency. An AC unit that’s too small for your home will struggle to provide adequate cooling for the entire space, causing it to run constantly and fall short of reaching a good temp for AC in the summer.  A constantly running air conditioning system leads to higher energy bills, increased wear and tear, and a shortened lifespan.

On the other hand, an oversized unit will cycle on and off frequently, resulting in inconsistent temperatures, high humidity levels, and increased strain. 

With a correctly sized AC unit, temperature efficiency will be more impressive than ever. You’ll experience consistent temperatures, a noticeable reduction in energy consumption, and better humidity control. 

Woman adjusting AC

Understanding the Relationship Between AC Temperature and Air Quality

AC temperature and air quality are also directly related. Indoor air quality greatly depends on the condition of their ventilation and filtration systems. After all, AC systems are designed to provide ideal temperatures for cooling, drive air circulation, and reduce humidity levels.

Setting Your AC for Different Seasons: Is Summer the Same as Winter?

Keep your thermostat at 68 degrees during the winter. Lowering it 10–15 degrees compared to the summer setting helps reduce energy consumption and improve cost savings. 

Is It Better to Keep Your AC at One Constant Temperature?

Whether you wish to maintain a constant temperature with your AC or make manual adjustments, each choice offers its own set of benefits. However, it’s better to adjust the temperature throughout the day, whether you’re home or not. By making manual adjustments, you can avoid wasting energy on cooling your home, thereby improving cost savings over time and maintaining the desired comfort. 

How Temperature Preferences Vary by Time of Day

Temperatures naturally drop at night, so you may not need cooling from your unit at all during the evening. 

When temperatures are at their hottest during the day, you may require even lower temperatures to stay comfortable. These changes hinge on your temperature preferences throughout the day. 

Best AC Temperature When You’re Not Home

When you’re away from home, it’s better to keep your AC temperature at a higher setting. Increase the temperature by 7—10 degrees while you’re away. For example, if it was already at 78 degrees, try increasing it to 85-88 degrees. Increasing the temperature when you’re not home will help you save more money on your energy bill. 

The Importance of Regular AC Maintenance for Temperature Control

Regular AC maintenance plays a crucial role in keeping the system running smoothly and maintaining optimal temperature control. When an AC system’s components are in optimal condition, it doesn’t have to work as hard and will perform more efficiently. 

The Best Temperature Settings for Sleeping During Hot Summer Nights

When it comes to a good temp for AC in summer nights, 65–67 degrees is the ideal range. This way, your body doesn’t have difficulty maintaining its internal temperature, leading to better nights of sleep with more comfort. 

Energy-Saving Tips

Aside from setting your AC at an ideal temperature, there are numerous other ways to save on energy. Here are some helpful energy-saving tips to incorporate into your home:

  • Routinely clean your unit
  • Use your windows to keep your home cool on breezy days
  • Use ceiling fans 
  • Opt for a programmable thermostat
  • Improve your home’s ventilation
  • Replace the lighting in your home
  • Use a dehumidifier 

Make Sure Your AC is Ready for All Seasons with Our Professional AC Services

At Gulf Shore Cooling, LLC, our experienced team is dedicated to making sure your AC system is ready for all seasons — not just the summer. With our professional AC services — including installation, repair, maintenance, and replacement — you can have complete confidence that your AC system is efficient and ready to provide optimal comfort. 

Call Gulf Shore Cooling for Expert AC Repair, Installation, and Maintenance Services

Now that we’ve covered what temperature to set the air conditioner to in summer, it’s time to enjoy the cooling your home needs during Southwest Florida’s oppressive climate.  Contact Gulf Shore Cooling, LLC today. Our HVAC experts offer professional AC services backed by industry-leading experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

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