You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing temperature during warm days.

But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy experts so you can choose the best setting for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and outside temps, your electrical costs will be bigger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds hot, there are ways you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioning going frequently.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—inside. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver added insulation and better energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too warm at first glance, try conducting a test for approximately a week. Begin by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually lower it while adhering to the ideas above. You could be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC going all day while your home is vacant. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and often results in a bigger electrical bill.

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

If you’re looking for a handy solution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of using 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 recommends 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise trying a comparable test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and steadily decreasing it to find the ideal temperature for your house. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than running the air conditioning.

More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer

There are added approaches you can spend less money on energy bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping utility bills low.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working like it should and could help it work at better efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life span, since it enables techs to pinpoint little troubles before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too frequently, and raise your utility.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort issues in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air inside.

Use Less Energy This Summer with Booneville Heating & Cooling

If you need to save more energy this summer, our Booneville Heating & Cooling specialists can assist you. Get in touch with us at 662-269-8716 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.