According to a recent poll taken by US News & World report, 78 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal AC temperature during a heatwave. However, that number changes slightly depending on who you ask. For example, a 2021 Consumer Reports survey sets the ideal temperature at 72 degrees, but that includes all warm days not just those boiling afternoons that sometimes settle in and heat up the Georgetown, TX, area. At DTC, we offer comprehensive air conditioning services to help you keep your cool in a heatwave.
When Does the Temperature in Texas Equal a Heatwave?
According to the World Health Organization, a heatwave occurs when temperatures reach 10 to 15 degrees above the average temperature. In Texas, that’s about 85 degrees, depending on the location and time of day. When temperatures remain unusually high for days or weeks, you have yourself a heatwave. In Georgetown, that’s around 95 to 105 degrees and higher. Whew!
What Is the Best Heatwave Thermostat Setting?
Here’s a rule of thumb to remember. Don’t set your thermostat more than 20 degrees lower than the temperature outside. First, even the most powerful units will struggle to cool your house 30 degrees below the outside temperature. Setting your AC too low can result in exorbitant energy bills and may wear out your AC.
Keep these best practices in mind to stay comfortable without overtaxing your air conditioner:
- Schedule your annual AC maintenance in late spring to make sure your AC is in the best condition to deal with heatwaves.
- Invest in air conditioner maintenance as soon as you notice a problem with your AC, heat pump, mini-split, or other cooling system.
- Hire DTC when you want a knowledgeable technician to install your new AC right the first time.
- Install a programmable thermostat so that you can set your temperature remotely when temperatures rise.
Besides giving your AC the love it deserves, there are several other things you can do to stay cool without blowing up your energy bill.
Staying Cool at Home and On the Go
Follow these tips to stay cool and minimize your AC usage:
- Install your thermostat away from windows and areas in direct sunlight. This will provide an accurate temperature to your cooling system. In return, your AC will run more efficiently and last longer than an overtaxed system.
- Turn on the fans. To keep your house cooler, look for alternative ways to lower the temperature in your home. If you have ceiling fans turn them on. During a heatwave, turn them all on! Circulating air lowers the ambient temperature.
- Turn off appliances that produce heat or use them during the cooler parts of the day. Consider using your crockpot to prepare hot meals overnight, or opt for salads, sandwiches, and other food that doesn’t require heat to prepare.
- Blackout curtains can block out harmful UV rays and solar heat, while weather stripping can lock in cool air to maximize your system’s performance.
These are just a few ways you can stay ahead of the next heatwave. Contact DTC today to schedule AC services to ensure your home comfort in Georgetown, TX, and the surrounding areas.