You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at the right temp during summer weather.

But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We go over ideas from energy experts so you can choose the best temp for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

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

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are approaches you can keep your home cool without having the AC running frequently.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—inside. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide more insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s since they freshen through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot initially, try running a trial for approximately a week. Get started by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively turn it down while following the suggestions above. You may be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner going all day while your house is unoccupied. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t effective and often results in a bigger cooling cost.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temp controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you take off.

If you’re looking for a handy remedy, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $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 change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that could be too cold, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise following an equivalent test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and gradually turning it down to determine the best temp for your residence. On cool nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than running the AC.

More Ways to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

There are extra ways you can save money on energy bills throughout the summer.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping AC costs down.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating properly and may help it run at greater efficiency. It might also help prolong its life span, since it allows technicians to find little issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and drive up your electrical.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air within your home.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Pepper AC & Heat

If you are looking to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Pepper AC & Heat professionals can help. Reach us at 940-305-6803 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling options.