Best Temp to Set Your Air Conditioner In Hot South Dakota Summer

South Dakota has been baking this summer, but do you know the ideal temperature to set your air conditioner?

During this hot South Dakota summer, it's tempting to crank the air conditioner down into the upper 60s...and while that might feel great at first, it can also send your electric bill soaring and put extra strain on your cooling system.

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So what's the ideal temperature?

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees when you're home and need cooling.

While that number isn't a strict rule, many HVAC experts agree it's a great starting point for balancing comfort and energy savings.

The bigger factor, they say, is the difference between the temperature outside and inside your home.

A difference of about 20 degrees is considered the sweet spot for efficiency.

That means if it's a blistering 100 degrees outside, keeping your home around 80 degrees allows your air conditioner to run more efficiently without working overtime.

Every degree you lower your thermostat below 78 degrees can increase your cooling costs by approximately 6 to 8 percent.

Over the course of a long South Dakota heat wave, those extra degrees can add up to a noticeable jump on your monthly utility bill.

If 78 degrees feels a little too warm, try using ceiling fans or portable fans to keep air circulating.

The moving air helps your body feel cooler, often making a room feel several degrees more comfortable without lowering the thermostat.