The modern world and its structure owe a lot of credit to the invention of air-conditioning in 1902. From being labeled a luxury to becoming a necessity, its accommodation is also key in modern structure planning. Homes fitted with air conditioners are a regular norm now, and finding the sweet spot between the comfort and economics of air conditioning is a pursuit every homeowner seeks.
While there is no definitive number you can arrive upon in terms of the ‘right’ temperature that must be set during the scorching summer, there are a number of guidelines and variables you can go back to the board on. The base formula is quite simple though – the lower you set your temperature, the higher your electricity bill shoots up and vice versa.
Ideal Temperature Setting
It is believed that the ideal temperature should be maintained at 26-degrees Celsius, when you’re indoors. This is regarded as a temperature the body is most ‘comfortable’ at. This is also considered an economically less taxing setting. While you’re away, raising the temperature up by 2 -3 degrees Celsius is important, as this means your unit is not working extra hard (and consuming more power than necessary) to keep your home cool. It is estimated that doing so can help one save up to 10% on electricity costs. In fact, this higher temperature decelerates the heat flowing indoors and helps your home cool down quickly when you arrive.
Ideal Temperatures for Sleep
Adjusting your temperature settings for deep sleep is also crucial. According to the National Institute of Health Study, it was discovered that your body reaches a state of “thermoneutrality” when the outside temperature is 30-degree Celsius, when partially covered or 15-18 degrees Celsius, when fully covered. Thus, when making use of sleepwear, one can fine-tune their temperature settings to a neutral 26-degree Celsius.
Humidity Check
The presence of humidity and moistness in theatmosphere must be taken into account when adjusting your thermostat settings. Air conditioning units are efficient at reducing the overall humidity within the space, and installing a ceiling fan accelerates the cooling of the room without putting too much pressure on the thermostat and air conditioner.
Accounting For Varying Body Temperatures
At times, you or your family members may find the degree of cooling insufficient. The AC not cooling is more likely a result of lowering it to a very low temperature for long hours, not finding the right setting or failing to use it in an optimal manner. In order to find the right fit for everyone in the family, one’s mantra must be to observe and adjust. Set your temperature to a particular degree, say around 27-degree Celsius, and keep lowering the temperature by small amounts till you come to around 21-degree Celsius. This will help determine the ideal temperature range for your family and you can then tailor your temperature settings to the average of that particular range.
How To Keep Your Home Cooler
There are a number of ways to ensure your air conditioner functions in an optimum manner and maintains an ideal temperature. Some of them are:
– Reduce the usage of gas units and any other appliances that generate heat.
– Invest in a Tower AC to easily control the flow of cool air.
– Install ceiling fans to maximize cooling efficiency.
– Allowing for cross ventilation and walls painted with light colours to reflect any heat caused by direct sunlight.