Spring has sprung in Arizona. The winter cold is gone, but the scorching, summer heat has yet to arrive. Where do you set your thermostat during this transitional time? Here’s how to find your ideal spring AC setting.
Setting Your Thermostat
In April, the average temperature in Yuma is around 89 degrees. You’ll probably need to use your AC a bit, but not as much as in later months. The trick is to make your house comfortable without using a lot of energy. The way to do that is to minimize the difference between the thermostat temperature and the ambient temperature.
First, be sure to switch your programmable thermostat from heating to cooling. Your ideal spring AC setting when you’re home is about 76 degrees. This will keep you comfortable without running your HVAC system constantly. While you’re at work and the kids are at school, bump the thermostat up to 80 degrees. That temperature will prevent things from heating up too much without your having to pay to cool an empty house.
Spring Energy-Saving Tips
Another way to reduce your cooling bills this season is with fresh, outdoor air. Open the windows at night and in the early morning, before things start heating up, and let the cool air into the house. Then, before you leave for the day, close the windows and the blinds. The blinds will block a lot of the sun’s heat, keeping the cool air in as long as possible.
You can also supplement your AC with a ceiling fan. By turning the fan on, you can turn the thermostat up a few degrees, saving energy without any loss of comfort. The wind chill factor will make the air feel cooler than it actually is.
Finally, don’t forget your annual tuneup. Before the summer heat begins, call your HVAC technician to inspect your AC and make sure it’s in proper working order and operating at peak efficiency.
For more help with your AC settings this spring, contact us at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company. We provide quality home-comfort solutions to the Yuma area.
