Your thermostat should be set at this temperature, Arizona experts say

Welcome back to air conditioning season, Arizona.

While temperatures make an unseasonably early foray into triple digits, you may be ready to turn your air conditioning unit back on (if it ever turned it off). While your thermostat setting may be a source of major fights and debates in your home, experts have stepped in to settle the argument by picking the best, most efficient temperature for your AC unit to be set to.

Drum roll, please. They say you should set your thermostat to 78 degrees to keep your home cool, your unit running smoothly and your electric bill down. Here’s why that’s the perfect temperature.

What temperature should I set my AC to in Phoenix?

The truth is, there isn’t really a magic number, but experts would say 78 degrees.

However, the decision you may want to make is based on:

• What feels comfortable to you and the other people in your household.
• The health conditions of people in your household.
• How well your home is insulated and otherwise protected against heat.
• What other cooling methods you use (floor fans, ceiling fans, closed curtains/shades, etc.).
• How much you’re willing to pay on your electric bill.

Brianna Callaway, a spokesperson with Valley Services, a Phoenix-based HVAC repair company, said residents should be able to set their AC at the temperature they feel most comfortable with. Yet, she recommended residents keep it set at the same temperature when they are at home, and move it up or down as little as they can.

“I would say most people like to keep it around 75 degrees,” Callaway said. “When you’re gone, you could leave it around 79 or 80, but if you’re at home, we recommend keeping it at the same temperature.”

If you want to turn your AC down by one or two degrees on a particularly hot afternoon, it won’t hurt, Callaway said. However, keeping your AC at the same temperature will help you save energy during the hot summer months in Arizona.

How can I conserve energy when my AC runs all day?

Callaway said using fiberglass filters and changing them every three to four weeks can help the AC run better and save energy.

Dana Marie Kennedy, Arizona director of the American Association of Retired Persons, also gave out some tips to save energy during the summer:

• Close your blinds before leaving home during the day.
• Turn on your fans to help circulate the air.
• Wear light clothing to stay cool.
• Limit the use of high‐energy appliances during peak hours.
• Switch off lights and unplug appliances when not in use.
• If possible, invest in smart thermostats and energy‐efficient appliances.

Reporting by Laura Daniella Sepulveda, Arizona Republic

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