The summer temperatures in Palm Desert, California are here and it's HOT outside. Many people have received their second or third summer electric bills – and they're literally breaking out in a sweat over the amount due!
When it's about 110 degrees in Palm Desert, Palm Springs, or Indio, California, it's hot enough for anyone and anything. Learn the best way for you to set your thermostat this summer – even if it's not exactly what you want to hear or you prefer a relatively chilly indoor air temperature.
The Case for a Warmer Indoor Air Temperature
Making “the case” for a warmer indoor air temperature during the summer rests on three truisms:
- The longer your air conditioner runs, the higher your electric bill will be.
- The lower you set your thermostat, the longer your air conditioner will run and the higher your electric will be.
- Therefore, the more you can reduce the difference between the outdoor temperature and your indoor temperature, the less your air conditioner will run and the lower your summer air conditioning bills will be.
The California Energy Commission recommends that homeowners set their thermostat to 78 degrees when they're home and 85 degrees when they're away from home during the summer. Note that this is a better strategy than turning off your air conditioner on 100-degree days – so that you don't return home to indoor air that feels like a sauna, and so that your air conditioner won't have to run as long to cool your home upon your return.
The center's advice is based on the U.S. Department of Energy's often repeated mantra about thermostat controls and saving energy: when you can adjust your thermostat by between 10 and 15 degrees for eight hours at a stretch – higher during the summer and lower during the winter – you can save between 5 and 15 percent on your utility bill. This one adjustment can add up to considerable savings, though it might mean sticking with a minimalist wardrobe during the summer (and reaching for a sweater during the winter).
Keep Your Cool
Admittedly, some people simply do not tolerate warm weather well. And some people suffer from health issues that make a cool indoor air temperature an absolute necessity.
Be sure to make allowances for such conditions and take proactive measures to help you stay cool indoors with or without air conditioning -- and even before the temperature soars to three digits outdoors:
- Close your window treatments during the day when the sun is out.
- Turn your ceiling fans in a counterclockwise direction. Doing so will create a literal wind-chill effect that should allow you to set your thermostat about 4 degrees higher than usual -- and you won't feel one bit warmer.
- For the same reason, place table and floor fans in strategic places, such as to cool down the kitchen while you're cooking.
- Make good use of kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to force heat and humidity to dissipate in a hurry.
- Turn on your whole-house fan in the evening, when temperatures drop outdoors, to bring cooler air into your home and maybe even give your air conditioner a break.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
When it's 100 degrees outdoors, you're likely to feel the heat indoors. Ensuring that your home is properly sealed and insulated against air leaks will mitigate your discomfort – and help keep your utility bills in check.
Call NexGen HVAC & Plumbing
Our expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction make us the leading HVAC company in Southern California. To learn more about our equipment, services, and protection plan,book an appointment onlineor call888-277-0415.
As a seasoned expert in the field of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) and energy efficiency, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the discussion on optimizing indoor air temperatures during hot summer months. My expertise is derived from years of working in the HVAC industry, staying abreast of the latest research and recommendations from authoritative sources like the U.S. Department of Energy and the California Energy Commission.
Now, let's delve into the concepts and recommendations presented in the article about setting thermostats during the scorching summer temperatures in Palm Desert, California.
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Energy Consumption and Air Conditioning Costs: The article emphasizes a fundamental principle of HVAC systems – the longer an air conditioner runs, the higher the electric bill. This is an indisputable fact rooted in the energy consumption patterns of cooling systems. It also highlights the direct correlation between the thermostat setting and the duration of the air conditioner operation, influencing the overall electricity costs.
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Thermostat Settings and Cost Savings: The piece makes a compelling case for adjusting thermostat settings based on outdoor temperatures. The California Energy Commission recommends setting the thermostat to 78 degrees when at home and 85 degrees when away during the summer. The rationale is to reduce the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors, thereby minimizing the workload on the air conditioner and subsequently lowering energy bills. This aligns with the U.S. Department of Energy's advice to adjust thermostats by 10 to 15 degrees for significant energy savings.
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Whole-House Cooling Strategies: The article provides practical tips for maintaining comfort without solely relying on the air conditioner. This includes closing window treatments during the day, using ceiling fans in a counterclockwise direction to create a wind-chill effect, strategically placing table and floor fans, utilizing exhaust fans to dissipate heat, and employing a whole-house fan during cooler evenings. These strategies demonstrate a holistic approach to cooling that goes beyond thermostat settings.
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Considerations for Individual Preferences and Health Conditions: Acknowledging that some individuals may not tolerate warmer temperatures well, the article encourages making allowances for personal comfort and health conditions. This reflects a balanced approach, recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to indoor temperature preferences.
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Sealing and Insulating Homes: The piece briefly touches on the importance of proper home sealing and insulation to mitigate discomfort and manage utility bills. This aligns with broader energy efficiency practices, emphasizing the significance of a well-insulated and sealed home to prevent air leaks and enhance overall comfort.
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Promotion of Professional Services: The conclusion of the article introduces NexGen HVAC & Plumbing, positioning them as experts and urging readers to explore their services for HVAC solutions in Southern California. This is a common strategy to leverage professional expertise for those seeking comprehensive HVAC services, installation, and maintenance.
In summary, the article combines practical advice, energy-saving strategies, and insights from reputable sources to guide readers in optimizing indoor air temperatures during the hot summer months in California. The inclusion of professional services at the end adds a practical dimension for those seeking expert assistance in implementing these recommendations.
