You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant temp during muggy weather.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy experts so you can select the best temperature for your house.

Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Justin.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and outdoor temps, your utility costs will be bigger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds hot, there are methods you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner going constantly.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—indoors. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give extra insulation and better energy savings.

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

If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try doing a test for a week or so. Begin by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily lower it while following the advice above. You may be amazed at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning running all day while your house is vacant. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and typically results in a higher AC cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temp under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you take off.

If you’re looking for a handy solution, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, due to your PJ and blanket preference.

We recommend using a similar test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and slowly turning it down to pick the right temp for your residence. On pleasant nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better solution than operating the AC.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

There are other ways you can save money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping utility costs low.
  2. Schedule annual air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working like it should and might help it work at better efficiency. It might also help extend its life span, since it helps professionals to spot little troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and increase your electricity.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.

Save More Energy This Summer with Pepper AC & Heat

If you need to save more energy this summer, our Pepper AC & Heat specialists can provide assistance. Reach us at 940-305-6803 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling options.