Best Thermostat Settings for Hot August Nights

Putting your air conditioner on full blast at night might help you sleep more comfortably, but it will also cause your energy bills to spike. What are the best thermostat settings that strike a balance between comfort and energy efficiency? Our experts at Colair Inc. provide the answer in this helpful guide.

Tips for Staying Cool at Night

Get ready to sleep comfortably and keep your energy bills at a reasonable price. Use the tips below to maintain energy-efficient cooling on hot summer nights.

Increase Your Home’s Temperature 

Since you’ll be sleeping and not exerting a lot of energy, your home doesn’t need to be as cool as when you’re active during the day. The space should naturally cool down anyway since the outdoor temperature drops once the sun goes down. Experts recommend setting your thermostat at 78 degrees for optimum sleep comfort and energy efficiency.

You might forget to adjust your thermostat before bed every night. Installing a programmable thermostat takes the guesswork out of the best thermostat settings for different times of the day. With temperature programming, your thermostat will automatically switch to a higher temperature at night, and when no one’s home, so you aren’t wasting energy.

Utilize Ceiling Fans

Your air conditioner isn’t the only way to cool your home. Ceiling fans circulate the air to help a room feel several degrees cooler. If you have a ceiling fan in your bedroom, turn it on at night and sleep comfortably despite raising your thermostat’s temperature.

Minimize Your Nighttime Heat Sources

According to the Department of Energy, the best thermostat settings for nighttime cooling range between 78 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. If your home feels too warm at night, certain heat sources may be to blame. Below are some common reasons why your home feels hot at night:

• Excess heat from using your oven or stove
• Using incandescent bulbs in all lighting fixtures
• Showers that release steam

All these heat sources can cause your cooling system to work harder and may prevent you from getting comfortable at night. Try cooking your dinner on an outdoor grill, switching to energy-efficient LED lights, and showering with cold water if you want to stay cool.

Close Your Blinds

While the tips above focus on evening measures, there’s one task that you can do during the day that keeps your home cooler at night. Shutting your blinds and curtains prevents the space from heating up during the day by blocking the sun’s powerful rays. The cooler your home stays during the day, the more comfortable it will remain at night.

Preserve Your Cooling System With Professional HVAC Services

Knowing the best thermostat settings for steamy August nights can help you save money on your cooling costs. Let Colair Inc. help you save even more. We provide air conditioning maintenance as well as repair and installation services.

With our expertise, you’ll end up with an energy-efficient system that works when you need it most. Use our online booking tool or call (956) 581-5212 to schedule service.