What's the best temperature to set the AC at in Central Jersey?

It's hot, hot, hot and we want to stay cool, cool, cool.

But when is cool too cool?

Last summer was the hottest on record, and this year is predicted to break that record. Coupled with inflation, heat waves will eat into many people's wallets as the cost of powering air conditioning soars.

According to Dave Robinson, Rutgers University professor and state climatologist, the average high temperature in June was 85.1 degrees. It was the state's second warmest June, tied with 1943 and just behind 2010.

July has continued the swelter with an average high temperature of 90.5 degrees, according to the National Weather Service .

That's two to three degrees above normal, Robinson said.

"Should the final value be close to three degrees, it would be one of the top five Julys on record since 1895," he said. "If two degrees higher it would be in the top 15 or so. Nine of the 11 warmest Julys since 1895 have occurred since 2010... summer is warming."

As Central Jersey's temperatures rise, many turn to air conditioning. But no one wants a high energy bill.

To stay cool and avoid paying an astronomical power, knowing what temperature to set the air conditioning is important to balance your comfort and your wallet.

What's the best thermostat setting for a Central Jersey summer?

Ross Albert, owner of Arctic Air Conditioning in Old Bridge , said finding the right thermostat settings for summer in Central Jersey can help individuals stay cool and comfortable while also saving money and energy.

Robinson agrees, saying the AC temperature is something of a personal decision, though one that should be made wisely.

"In many respects, AC is a dehumidifier in an environment like New Jersey," Robinson said. "Thus, just having it on, even at a rather high temperature − say 80 degrees − can be all that is needed. However, there may be health issues in a family or young children − each of which might warrant a cooler temperature. Yes, I realize many would say 80 degrees is too high. My response being that it should be given a try and if need be, lowered slowly."

But Robinson suggests people "experiment" to see what works best in their home.

Setting a thermostat correctly can have a big impact on comfort and energy costs, Albert said. Following recommended settings and using programmable or smart thermostats, cooling systems can be optimized to work efficiently and effectively.

More: Tips to keep your lawn and plants green and thriving during the heat wave

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% a year on air conditioning by simply adjusting a thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day from its normal setting.

While there is no magic number, the AC setting is based on several factors:

• Comfort
• Health conditions
• How well a home is insulated and otherwise protected against heat
• What other cooling methods are used, such as floor fans, ceiling fans, closed curtains/shades, etc.
• How much a consumer is willing to pay on an electric bill

When home, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests setting a thermostat to 78 degrees. This temperature is comfortable for most people and helps to keep energy usage in check.

To some, sleeping in a room that is 78 degrees may seem impossible. Many prefer a cooler environment for sleeping. Setting a thermostat to around 74 degrees can provide a more comfortable sleep while still being energy-efficient, Albert said.

If you going away, it is suggested that thermostats be set at 85 degrees. This higher setting ensures that the home doesn’t get excessively hot but also ensures that energy is not wasted cooling an empty house, Albert added.

Additional tips for efficient cooling

Comfort doesn’t end at a thermostat setting. There are more you can do to keep cool without having to set a thermostat too low. Here are some tips from Arctic for keeping a home cool and affordable:

• Install a programmable or smart thermostat: These devices allow users to set different temperatures for different times of the day and days of the week when people are expected home.
• Use fans, especially ceiling fans: Fans circulate air, creating a windchill effect. Position them to draw in cooler air or exhaust hot air. Ceiling fans can allow a thermostat to be set a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort.
• Close blinds, shades and curtains: About 40% of unwanted heat comes through windows. Blocking out the sun during the hottest parts of the day can limit the heat entering a home.
• Seal leaks: Ensure the home is well-insulated and that windows and doors are sealed properly to keep the cool air in and the hot air out.
• Maintain the HVAC system: Regular maintenance, such as changing air filters and having the HVAC system inspected by a professional, ensures the air conditioner is running efficiently.

email: cmakin@gannettnj.com

Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com , part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin . To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: What's the best temperature to set the AC at in Central Jersey?