You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temperature during muggy weather.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We review ideas from energy specialists so you can determine the best setting for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and exterior warmth, your utility 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 sounds warm, there are methods you can keep your house cool without having the AC going frequently.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—indoors. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give extra insulation and better energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s since they refresh through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too warm on the surface, try conducting an experiment for about a week. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually decrease it while using the tips above. You might be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner on all day while your house is vacant. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees higher 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 below 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t useful and often results in a bigger electricity cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temperature in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you go.

If you need a convenient fix, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, based on your clothing and blanket preference.

We recommend using an equivalent test over a week, moving your temperature higher and gradually turning it down to select the best setting for your family. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than running the air conditioner.

More Methods to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are additional methods you can conserve money on air conditioning bills throughout the summer.

  1. Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping energy bills small.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working like it should and might help it work more efficiently. It can also help prolong its life expectancy, since it helps techs to uncover little problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and increase your electricity.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort issues in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air inside.

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

If you are looking to save more energy during hot weather, our Farnell Mechanical, Inc. experts can assist you. Give us a call at 334-524-2458 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.