You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at the right temperature during the summer.

But what is the best temp, exactly? We review recommendations from energy professionals so you can determine the best setting for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and exterior warmth, your AC bills will be bigger.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are approaches you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioner going all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give added insulation and improved energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot initially, try running a trial for approximately a week. Begin by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually lower it while following the suggestions above. You may be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner running all day while your house is vacant. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and typically leads to a more expensive electrical expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temperature controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a convenient resolution, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for most families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise using a similar test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and gradually lowering it to choose the right temperature for your house. On cool nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the air conditioner.

More Methods to Use Less Energy This Summer

There are added approaches you can conserve money on energy bills throughout the summer.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping AC expenses low.
  2. Set annual air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working properly and might help it run at better efficiency. It can also help prolong its life cycle, since it allows techs to discover seemingly insignificant problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and drive up your utility.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air inside.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with Bain Heating & Air Conditioning

If you are looking to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Bain Heating & Air Conditioning pros can provide assistance. Reach us at 256-270-1196 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.