Bear Mattress recently released a study looking at preferred AC temperatures in each state. It was based on data from 2,000 surveyed responses collected from across the nation. Because Georgia regularly suffers from heat, residents prefer something much lower than what's technically recommended.
There isn't a specific number you should always keep your thermostat at. In general, experts recommend 78 degrees during warm weather and 68 during cold weather. Residents should aim to keep the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures as small as possible to save the most money, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Each degree the thermostat is raised is a 1% to 3% cost savings on energy bills.
The agency recommends, when it's warm, to keep a home warmer than normal when you are not home to avoid unnecessary air conditioning use. On average, a difference of 7 to 10 degrees for about eight hours a day can save as much as 10% a year on cooling and heating bills.
For Georgians, the preferred sleep temperature is reportedly around 66 (more specifically, somewhere between 65.5 and 67). The state with the coldest sleepers is Massachusetts with a preferred temperature of 63.2 while the state with the warmest is Hawaii at 69.5 degrees.
Change or clean the air filter every month.
Keep leaves, shrubbery and other debris at least 18 inches away from the outdoor unit to avoid blocking the airflow. Don't cover the condenser coil outside to make your house look prettier.
If you have an outdoor drain, keep it clear and unclogged.