You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at the right temp during the summer.

But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We review ideas from energy experts so you can select the best temperature for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outdoor warmth, your utility bills will be higher.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are methods you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioner running frequently.

Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—inside. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver more insulation and better energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they cool by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too warm at first glance, try running an experiment for about a week. Start by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily turn it down while using the tips above. You could be surprised at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC running all day while your house is vacant. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t effective and usually results in a more expensive AC expense.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temperature controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a convenient remedy, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We recommend running a similar test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and steadily lowering it to determine the best temp for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior idea than running the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

There are other approaches you can conserve money on AC bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping utility bills down.
  2. Schedule annual air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working smoothly and may help it run more efficiently. It could also help prolong its life span, since it allows techs to find little issues before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too often, and drive up your electrical.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc

If you are looking to use less energy this summer, our All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc professionals can provide assistance. Give us a call at 256-801-4701 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling options.