You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a refreshing temp during hot days.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy pros so you can find the best setting for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and exterior temps, your utility expenses will be greater.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are approaches you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioning going constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide more insulation and improved energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s because they cool through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable on the surface, try running a trial for a week or so. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while following the tips above. You could be shocked at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC working all day while your home is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t useful and typically results in a bigger cooling expense.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you take off.

If you’re looking for a handy fix, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for many families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that could be too cold, based on your clothing and blanket preference.

We advise running an equivalent test over a week, setting your temp higher and progressively turning it down to select the right setting for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior solution than operating the air conditioning.

More Ways to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are additional methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping cooling costs down.
  2. Set regular air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating smoothly and may help it work at better efficiency. It may also help extend its life cycle, since it enables pros to spot small issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too often, and drive up your cooling.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort troubles in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with Farnell Mechanical, Inc.

If you are looking to save more energy during warm weather, our Farnell Mechanical, Inc. professionals can provide assistance. Reach us at 334-524-2458 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling products.