You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a refreshing temperature during warm days.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We review recommendations from energy specialists so you can select the best setting for your home.

Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in East Bernard.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your electricity bills will be greater.

These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are ways you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioning on all the time.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—indoors. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer extra insulation and better energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s because they refresh with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too warm at first glance, try doing a trial for about a week. Begin by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually turn it down while adhering to the advice above. You might be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC working all day while your residence is unoccupied. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and often produces a higher AC bill.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your settings controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.

If you’re looking for a convenient remedy, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, based on your PJ and blanket preference.

We recommend following a similar test over a week, setting your temp higher and slowly lowering it to pick the ideal setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than using the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are additional approaches you can conserve money on energy bills throughout the summer.

  1. Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping AC bills low.
  2. Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working smoothly and could help it run at better efficiency. It can also help prolong its life span, since it allows technicians to pinpoint small problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too frequently, and raise your cooling.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort issues in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air inside.

Use Less Energy This Summer with E.B. Air

If you want to use less energy during warm weather, our E.B. Air professionals can provide assistance. Reach us at 979-335-4262 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling options.