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

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy specialists so you can determine the best temperature for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

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

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are methods you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioner on all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give extra insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too hot at first glance, try conducting a trial for approximately a week. Start by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually decrease it while following the suggestions above. You may be astonished 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 house is unoccupied. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and usually results in a bigger electricity bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your settings in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a convenient fix, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, due to your PJ and blanket preference.

We suggest running a comparable test over a week, moving your temperature higher and gradually turning it down to determine the ideal temp for your house. On mild nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better option than using the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are added approaches you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping AC expenses down.
  2. Book regular air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running like it should and may help it run at greater efficiency. It might also help prolong its life span, since it enables professionals to uncover seemingly insignificant issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and increase your electricity.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort issues in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air inside.

Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Farnell Mechanical, Inc.

If you are looking to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Farnell Mechanical, Inc. experts can help. Reach us at 334-524-2458 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.