On hot summer days in Louisiana, your air conditioning can feel like a lifesaver. But what is your AC doing when you’re not in your apartment or business? You don’t want to waste electricity cooling a bunch of empty rooms. Striking the right balance can be difficult. The best temperature setting varies from person to person, apartment to apartment, business to business, and AC unit to AC unit, but with a few of these handy tips you should be able to determine the best temperature setting for when you’re away. Obviously, it’s easy and comfortable to keep your AC running constantly at the lowest temperature you want, but if you choose to do this then you’re forcing your unit to work hard for no reason. When nobody is home to enjoy the cool air, there’s no reason to keep your air conditioner running at full blast, and doing so only wastes money. The air conditioner is one of the biggest consumers of electricity in your apartment or business, and turning the thermostat up to a slightly higher temperature is one way to save on your utility bills each month. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but some apartments/businesses can set the thermostats as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit when nobody is there without sacrificing comfort. You may need to adjust this depending on a variety of factors, including: Whether you have a pet that needs to stay cool The size and effectiveness of your AC unit The window coverings and how often you open and close the door The electronic equipment you have in your home or business The times of day you’re there The biggest question is whether you are comfortable or not. If you’re feeling too warm, don’t be afraid to turn your thermostat down a degree or two. If you’re feeling just fine, try adjusting your thermostat just a little higher or turn your unit off for a little longer and see if you notice the difference. After a little bit of trial and error, you’ll be surprised at how cool your it can stay without running the AC all the time. Finding the right temperature setting can be difficult, but it’s worth it. Reducing your air conditioner use when nobody is there is a great way to save energy, benefiting you as well as the planet.
