What Is The Best Air Conditioner Temperature For Sleeping?

Tori Klein • July 20, 2023

The battle between comfort, energy efficiency, and the perfect night sleep often leaves many of us fiddling with the AC remote at all hours. What is the ideal temperature for a comfortable, rejuvenating nights' sleep?

picture of bedroom with air conditioning unit

As summer looms and temperatures rise, many households struggle with the thermostat. How do we strike a balance between restful sleep and energy efficiency? How does temperature affect our sleep quality? Best Owner Direct HVAC, serving in Hillsboro and Southeast County, is here to provide answers and help you navigate the often confusing world of sleep-friendly temperature settings.



Why Is Using The Best Temperature For Sleeping Important?

Sleep is crucial to our overall health, impacting everything from our mood to our immune system. According to research, room temperature is a significant factor in achieving quality sleep. The body's core temperature needs to drop for sleep initiation and remains lowered to allow us to sleep through the night. A room that's too hot or too cold can disrupt this process, leading to a restless night.


According to the Sleep Foundation, the optimal sleep temperature is between 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining a sleep environment within this temperature range can facilitate the natural drop in our body temperature, helping us fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.



Best AC Temperature For Energy Saving

While we aim for a comfortable sleeping environment, we must also be conscious about energy usage. Air conditioners can be energy guzzlers while providing comfort in the scorching heat. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends a setting of 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home and awake.


Adjusting your thermostat just 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours daily saves you as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling. When it comes to energy efficiency, small changes can add up to big savings.



What Temperature Should I Set My Air Conditioner In Summer?

The answer depends on your personal comfort and the outside temperature. However, experts recommend setting the thermostat between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Specifically, for comfortable sleep, the National Sleep Foundation suggests a temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit.


Remember, the smaller the difference between the external temperature and the thermostat setting, the lower your cooling costs. Moreover, every degree set below 78 degrees increases your energy consumption by approximately 8%.



Set The Thermostat At A Higher Temperature When You're Gone

To maximize energy efficiency, consider setting your thermostat to a higher temperature when you're away from home. The Department of Energy suggests 88 degrees as the optimal temperature setting when you're not at home. This setting prevents the air conditioner from kicking on too often, thus saving energy while maintaining a manageable indoor temperature.



Perform Regular Maintenance On Your Air Conditioner

Air conditioners, like all mechanical equipment, require regular maintenance for optimal performance and longevity. An important aspect of AC maintenance is the regular changing or cleaning of filters, which can become clogged over time, reducing efficiency and affecting indoor air quality.


Having a professional conduct annual check-ups is also a wise practice. Regular check-ups include checking refrigerant levels, inspecting and cleaning coils, and adjusting and cleaning blower components.



Conclusion

Achieving a comfortable, energy-efficient sleeping environment is a balancing act, but by following these tips, you can create a comfortable sleeping environment, save energy, and improve your air conditioner's efficiency.


At Best Owner Direct HVAC, we're dedicated to providing you with the best comfort solutions tailored to your unique needs. Whether it's advice on optimal temperature settings, regular AC maintenance, or upgrades to a more efficient system, we've got you covered. Contact us today to help you achieve the perfect home comfort environment in Washington County and the surrounding areas.


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