You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at the right temp during hot days.

But what is the right temp, exactly? We review recommendations from energy specialists so you can select the best temperature for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outside warmth, your AC bills will be larger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are ways you can keep your residence cool without having the AC going constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—inside. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide extra insulation and improved energy savings.

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

If 78 degrees still feels too hot initially, try conducting an experiment for about a week. Begin by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively turn it down while adhering to the suggestions above. You may be shocked at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner running all day while your home is vacant. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t useful and usually results in a higher cooling expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temp under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.

If you need a handy solution, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $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 adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that might be too cool, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.

We advise running an equivalent test over a week, moving your temp higher and slowly decreasing it to select the right temp for your residence. On cool nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better option than operating the AC.

More Methods to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are additional ways you can spend less money on utility bills throughout the summer.

  1. Get 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. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping energy costs small.
  2. Set annual air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running like it should and may help it operate at better efficiency. It can also help prolong its life span, since it enables pros to find seemingly insignificant issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and drive up your cooling.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort troubles in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air indoors.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with J & J Air Conditioning

If you want to save more energy during hot weather, our J & J Air Conditioning pros can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 254-505-3248 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling products.