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

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

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your AC costs will be higher.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are methods you can keep your home refreshing without having the AC running constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cold air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give extra insulation and improved energy savings.

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

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable at first glance, try conducting an experiment for about a week. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively decrease it while using the advice above. You could be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner running all day while your residence is unoccupied. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t useful and typically results in a more expensive cooling cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temp in check, but you have 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 convenient remedy, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unbearable 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 may be too cool, due to your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend following a comparable test over a week, putting your temp higher and slowly decreasing it to pick the best setting for your house. On cool nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior option than operating the air conditioning.

More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer

There are added ways you can save money on utility bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling 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 home comfier while keeping utility expenses low.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working properly and may help it work at better efficiency. It may also help prolong its life span, since it helps technicians to find little problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and drive up your utility.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many 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 let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort problems in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air indoors.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces

If you need to use less energy during warm weather, our Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces professionals can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 308-762-1613 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling products.