As Tampa temperatures rise, keeping your home cool and comfortable becomes increasingly important. But climate control at home isn’t always easy, especially if you live with family members who have differing air-temperature preferences. If setting the thermostat for your air conditioning leaves you feeling battle-weary, these tips for winning the war over the thermostat will help.
Go Green
Save some green while keeping your home cool, dehumidified and at a moderate temperature that even family members who mind the cold can withstand. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your air conditioning to 78 degrees Fahrenheit while you’re home and to higher temperatures while you’re away for maximum energy efficiency. Programmable thermostats make it easier than ever to operate HVAC systems efficiently, and you can set them to adjust the temperature before you come home so your air conditioning feels comfortable when you arrive.
Use Fans Strategically
Using ceiling fans lets you raise your HVAC system’s thermostat setting by approximately 4 degrees without sacrificing comfort. This is particularly important when you live in a home with family members who have varying air conditioning preferences. You can keep the thermostat set at 78F to keep everybody happy, and anyone who likes things cooler should have a ceiling fan. The wind chill effect fans provide minimizes the need to crank the air conditioning up.
Layer Up
Some people naturally mind the chill of the A/C, while others find temperatures above 75F too warm. How do you win? Everyone can dress appropriately for his or her comfort. Wearing lighter clothing helps keep people who mind the heat cooler, while anyone who’s always cold should consider wearing light layers to keep warm without heating up everyone else in the house.
Chill Out
Do you mind the heat? There are ways to keep cool without changing your air conditioning settings. Examples include:
- Filling a bowl with ice or ice packs and positioning it in front of a large fan for chilled comfort
- Switching to light, breathable cotton sheets
- Swapping your pillow for one filled with buckwheat hulls, which don’t retain body heat like traditional pillow fillings do
- Turning on exhaust fans to pull hot air out of the house after showering or cooking
Warm Up
Likewise, if you find yourself always feeling chilly, you can warm up your personal space without touching the thermostat. Examples include:
- Keeping the door to your room closed to prevent the bulk of the air conditioning from flowing in
- Sticking with warmer bedding like flannel sheets and a cozy quilt
- Opening your window at night to let the ambient temperature in — just be sure to keep your door shut and close the window before the hottest morning hours
No matter how you prefer to set your air conditioning temperatures, keeping HVAC systems in tip-top shape improves your unit’s efficiency and extends its life. Visit Cox Heating & Air Conditioning to learn more or to schedule an appointment today.
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