How Cool Should My House Be if It’s 110 Outside?

When the temperatures soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s essential to take steps to keep your home cool and comfortable. But just how cool should your house be? Should you push the thermostat down as low as it goes, or is there an optimal temperature for 110-degree days?

In this article, we’ll dive into the topic of indoor temperature settings during extreme heat, exploring the answers to these questions. So, grab a glass of water and let’s get started!

The Goldilocks Effect: Finding the Ideal Temperature

In hot weather, air conditioning is often the top priority for keeping homes cool. Unfortunately, many people unknowingly put their AC units to work too much by setting their thermostats too low, which can lead to several issues.

The Ideal Indoor Temperature

For many of us, our ideal indoor temperature is around 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20°C). However, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to determining the perfect indoor temperature. Comfort levels vary depending on factors like age, health, and individual preferences.

Studies have shown that temperatures between 72°F and 76°F (22°C to 24°C) are usually considered "comfortable" by most people [1]. More specifically, for our area, most air conditioning systems are designed to lower indoor temperatures about 20 degrees Fahrenheit from the outdoors, which can be quite low for such hot days like when it’s 110°F (43°C) **outside [2].

Understanding Your Thermostat and AC

Here are a few things to keep in mind regarding your thermostat and AC:

Smart Thermostats vs. Basic Ones

Smart thermostats can learn and adapt to your schedules and temperature preferences, which might be beneficial. However, many basic thermostats are still suitable for their intended purpose [2].

High-Efficiency vs. Standard

High-efficiency models are designed for longer-term saving and reducing operating costs [1]. They are suitable for homes and areas where a more effective cooling system is desired.

Adjusting Your AC During Extreme Weather

When extreme heat is forecasted, it is essential to prepare and adjust your temperature settings accordingly:

• Set it and forget: 77°F (25°C) might be a suitable compromise for most when it’s 110°F (43°C) outside.

Considerations Beyond Temperature

The following points may also influence how cool you should make your house on a 110°F (43°C) day:

• Humidity: Dry heat can exacerbate the sensation of temperature, making high humidity even more unbearable.
  • Shade and light: Control the amount of light entering through windows and ensure rooms receive shading from trees, awnings, or blinds.

Best Practices: Common Mistakes to Avoid

To effectively cool your home while minimizing power consumption:

1. Program your thermostat: Lower the temperature to 77°F (25°C) at least 2-3 hours before sunset to begin cooling.
2. Use ceiling fans: They create a continuous breeze, reducing heat and assisting your AC system.

Conclusion and Bottom Line

When facing 110°F (43°C) temperatures, finding a balance is crucial. A suggested indoor temperature would be around 77°F (25°C). Considering factors beyond temperature, like humidity, shade, and light, can further contribute to making your home a cool oasis on hot days. Make sure you regularly maintain and program your thermostat efficiently to keep your power consumption costs under control. Remember, avoid setting it and forgetting to adjust, which can affect your AC unit and household comfort [2].

References:
[1]. (2021). How Many Hours Should You Run Your AC a Day? [Website]. Retrieved from [https://www.qualitycool.com/blog/run-ac– hours-day].
[2]. (n.d.). _How cool should your house be on a hot day? Retrieved from_https://www.carrier.com/residential/en/us/aboutus/energy Efficiency/FAQ/how-Cool-YourHouse-Be-on-Hot-Day).