You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at the right temperature during summer weather.

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

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outdoor temps, your AC bills will be larger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems warm, there are methods you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioning on constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give extra insulation and better energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they refresh through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable on the surface, 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 may be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning running all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t effective and usually results in a bigger electrical bill.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you go.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free remedy, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.

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

We advise following a comparable test over a week, setting your temperature higher and slowly decreasing it to pinpoint the right setting for your family. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better solution than running the air conditioning.

More Ways to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

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

  1. Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electricity expenses low.
  2. Schedule annual air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating properly and could help it work more efficiently. It could also help extend its life expectancy, since it helps techs to spot little problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and drive up your electricity.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort issues in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces

If you are looking to use less energy this summer, our Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces experts can assist you. Give us a call at 308-321-4703 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling options.