Your Summer AC Guide— How to Stay Chill Without Overpaying

When it comes to the heat, few places can compete with Lubbock, Texas. This has left many residents wondering, "What temperature do I set my air conditioner to in the summer?"

Lucky for locals, you'll never have to shovel snow. However, you will be dealing with high temperatures for most of the year. According to Texas Tech University, even fall and spring temperatures may exceed 75 degrees, with summer temperatures often exceeding 90 degrees. Here at The Park Apartments, located on the west end of Lubbock, we know all about handling the heat. Its important that our residents feel cozy and comfortable in their homes, which is why weve put together this guide to staying chill without overpaying.

Leave the AC On

This may sound counterintuitive, but leaving the AC on when you're away from home can actually lower your bill. When you return home to a hot apartment and crank the AC to a low temperature, the AC unit will have to work extremely hard to get the room temperature to your desired level. This initial leap from hot to comfortable will require a massive amount of energy, making your utility bill higher than it needs to be.

A more cost-effective option is to leave your AC on at a high temperature when you leave, and then lower it when you return. While the AC will be running the whole day, it will consume less energy than the on-off cycles. TCL Guides recommends setting a seven-degree gap for at-home vs. away. For example, if you like the temperature to be 78 degrees when at home, then set the thermostat to 85 degrees when you're away. This strategy will allow your AC to run shorter, more efficient cycles that will save you money in the long run.

Utilize Fans

While air conditioners are far superior to fans, they can actually work together to lower bills. When fans are used in conjunction with an AC unit, you can typically raise your thermostat by 4-6 degrees and still feel cool. As fans use far less electricity, this will save you money on every energy bill. The type of fan doesn't really matter. Ceiling fans, box fans, and stand fans all work great at maximizing the benefits of air conditioning. For ceiling fans, ensure that they are rotating counterclockwise to push the cool air down. Many ceiling fans have labels, making it easy to know their directional push. However, make sure to turn off the fans when you leave. Fans cool people, not spaces.

Block Out the Sun

This is perhaps the easiest and most cost-effective strategy for daytime workers, especially in Texas. When you're out of the home during the daytime, the sun will still shine in through your windows, radiating heat inside your home. This increased heat will force your air conditioner to work harder, raising your bills. So before you leave your home, be sure to close all the blinds and curtains. This will keep the hot sun out, allowing your AC to operate in a more cost-efficient manner. According to Choose Texas Power, blinds and curtains are one of the best ways to reduce your energy bill.

Keep the Apartment Sealed

The cool air in your apartment can escape quickly. Cracked windows and leaving doors open for long periods of time will cause your energy bill to skyrocket. Air conditioners were designed for sealed environments, not open air. Even a tiny crack in a window will make your energy much more expensive than it needs to be.

What Temperature to Set Your Air Conditioner in the Summer

The ideal air conditioner temperature is really a matter of preference and cost tolerance. Some people are happy to pay more to keep cooler, while others are more comfortable at warmer temperatures for the cost savings. There really isn't a right or wrong answer. But if you're new to Lubbock and unsure, we recommend starting at 78 degrees for your at-home temperature and adjusting from there. As Lubbock typically has low humidity, higher temperatures are generally more comfortable when compared to a high-humidity environment.

Avoid Heat-Generating Appliances in Peak Heat

Your home is full of appliances that generate a lot of heat. Stoves, ovens, dryers, and dishwashers all produce a significant amount of heat; that is what they are designed to do after all. But these heat generators will compete with your AC, which will raise your bill. To maximize efficiency and lower costs, avoid using these heat-generating appliances in peak afternoon heat. For best results, try to do these chores in the morning or evening, when your AC isn't working as hard. And hot summer nights, come out to our grill area instead of cooking in your home to save even more.

Stay Cool In Lubbock By Moving into The Park Apartments

If you’re looking for your next home, visit us at The Park Apartments, Lubbock’s premier living community. Our 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor plans are designed with your comfort in mind, featuring amenities like double-galley kitchen layouts, energy-efficient appliances, hardwood-style flooring, plush carpeting, and ceiling fans that make it easy to stay cool throughout the summer. Schedule your tour today and discover the perfection of home at The Park Apartments.