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

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy specialists so you can select the best temp 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 households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and exterior warmth, your electrical 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 appears hot, there are ways you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioner on frequently.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide extra insulation and improved energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they refresh through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try running a trial for approximately a week. Start by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively turn it down while following the advice above. You might be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning running all day while your home is empty. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t useful and often produces a bigger air conditioner bill.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your settings controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.

If you want a hassle-free solution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

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

We recommend running an equivalent test over a week, setting your temp higher and progressively lowering it to choose the right setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the AC.

More Approaches to Save Energy During Hot Weather

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

  1. Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electricity costs down.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working smoothly and may help it run at greater efficiency. It may also help extend its life expectancy, since it helps pros to discover little issues before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too often, and raise your energy.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort troubles in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air indoors.

Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc

If you need to conserve more energy this summer, our All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc specialists can provide assistance. Reach us at 256-801-4701 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling products.