You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at the right temp during summer weather.

But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We review advice from energy specialists so you can determine the best temp for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and outdoor temps, your AC costs will be higher.

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 ways you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioner going constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide extra insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try doing a trial for approximately a week. Start by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually turn it down while using the tips above. You might be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC going all day while your residence is unoccupied. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a higher air conditioner expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your settings controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you go.

If you need a hassle-free solution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.

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

We recommend running an equivalent test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and progressively decreasing it to pinpoint the right setting for your house. On mild nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than using the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are other methods you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping AC costs low.
  2. Book annual air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running like it should and might help it operate at better efficiency. It could also help prolong its life expectancy, since it allows professionals to discover little troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too much, and raise your electrical.
  4. Check 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 need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort issues in your house, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air inside.

Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Pepper AC & Heat

If you want to conserve more energy this summer, our Pepper AC & Heat experts can help. Reach us at 940-202-1184 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling products.