How to Find the Best Temperature for a Good Night’s Sleep

Finding the best temperature for a good night’s sleep can be daunting during summer. Air conditioning bills can take a huge chunk of your monthly budget during the hottest part of the year, so you don’t want to turn the thermostat down too low. But you also don’t want to be sweltering and uncomfortable — after all, you have important things to do in the morning and need a restful night’s sleep. While it’s almost impossible to completely rid yourself of the cost of air conditioning, there are several ways to stop you from having to scream, “My electric bill is out of control!” the next time you open it. And find the best temperature for a good night’s sleep.

How Do Air Conditioners Work?

You might ask yourself: How does air conditioning work, anyway, and why does it cost so much? Air conditioning systems push cool air into your home while drawing warm air out. The process uses much energy and forces your air conditioner to work harder to cool your home. As a result, your power bill can skyrocket.

What’s the Ideal Temperature for Sleeping?

Since the best way to lower electric bills in summer is by lowering the thermostat, let’s look at how to find the best temperature for a good night’s sleep. While the ideal temperature for sleeping varies from person to person, the consensus is that the optimal temperature for a good night’s sleep is between 60-68 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping your home around this temp will help you sleep better and save money on your electric bill.

 So, what other ways to cut your power bill during the summer months?

1. Lower the thermostat. The most obvious way is to reduce the temperature in your home. While you may feel comfortable in an 80-degree room, your air conditioner has to work twice as hard to cool your home. By turning down the heat in your home, you can reduce the strain on your air conditioner and save on your electric bill.
2. Maintain your air conditioner. If your A/C unit is clogged with dust and debris, it won’t be able to cool your home as efficiently and will use more energy. Regular maintenance is the best way to keep your air conditioner running at its peak.
3. Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats allow you to set a different temperature for each day of the week. This way, you can reduce the temperature in your home during the hottest parts of the day and increase it when you’re home and want to cool off. You can reduce your electric bill by only cooling your home when necessary.
4. Invest in energy-efficient A/C systems. Energy-efficient air conditioning systems are designed to use less energy while cooling your home. Many appliances have various features, such as variable-speed fans, timers, and air filters, to reduce energy consumption. Investing in one of them can slash your electric bill over time.
5. Invest in blackout curtains or other window coverings. By installing blackout curtains or roller shades on all of your windows, you can prevent heat from entering your home and reduce how hard your A/C has to work. Tinting your window glass helps further decrease passive solar gain for added energy savings.
6. Strategically plant trees, shrubs, and other foliage around your home. With smart landscaping, you can create natural shade that keeps your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Trees planted on the south side of a house can block up to 60% of the sun’s energy from entering the house, while shrubs placed on the north and west sides can help prevent heat loss during cold months. This not only helps reduce energy costs but can also add much-needed curb appeal to your property.

Finding the best temperature for a good night’s sleep can be challenging during summer, but it’s doable. By being smart and following the right strategies, you can find ways to reduce AC bills and find a comfortable temperature for a good night’s sleep.  Contact them today for prompt, experienced, and professional A/C service or to learn how Rinaldi’s can save you up to 70% on your monthly energy costs with a free home inspection.