You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant temperature during warm days.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We go over ideas from energy experts so you can select the best setting for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outdoor temps, your utility bills will be higher.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are methods you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner on all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cool air where it should be—indoors. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer added insulation and better energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too hot initially, try running a trial for approximately a week. Get started by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually lower it while adhering to the suggestions above. You may be shocked at how comfortable 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 vacant. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a more expensive cooling bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your settings in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a convenient fix, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We suggest trying a similar test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and gradually decreasing it to pinpoint the right setting for your family. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than operating the air conditioner.

More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer

There are extra ways you can conserve money on air conditioning bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping electricity expenses down.
  2. Book regular air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating properly and may help it run at greater efficiency. It may also help prolong its life span, since it allows technicians to pinpoint little troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and increase your electrical.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the United States don’t have adequate 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 checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort troubles in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air within your home.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with J & J Air Conditioning

If you want to save more energy during hot weather, our J & J Air Conditioning pros can assist you. Give us a call at 254-355-3833 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling options.