You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at the right temperature during hot days.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We review suggestions from energy experts so you can choose the best temp for your home.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Booneville.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and exterior warmth, your utility costs will be greater.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are methods you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioning going frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give extra insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they refresh with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try doing an experiment for about a week. Start by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily turn it down while using the tips above. You might be amazed at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning working all day while your house is vacant. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t effective and usually produces a bigger air conditioner bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temp controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a convenient fix, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually 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 suggests 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend following a similar test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and progressively lowering it to select the best setting for your family. On mild nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the air conditioning.
More Ways to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional methods you can spend less money on air conditioning bills throughout the summer.
- Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping cooling costs low.
- Schedule annual air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working smoothly and could help it run at better efficiency. It can also help prolong its life cycle, since it allows pros to pinpoint little problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and drive up your cooling.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort troubles in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Booneville Heating & Cooling
If you need to conserve more energy this summer, our Booneville Heating & Cooling specialists can assist you. Reach us at 662-269-8716 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling options.
