You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing setting during hot days.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy professionals so you can choose the best setting for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and exterior temps, your electricity bills will be greater.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are approaches you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioning running constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—within your home. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give more insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s since they cool by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too warm on the surface, try doing an experiment for about a week. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively decrease it while adhering to the advice above. You may be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning on all day while your residence is unoccupied. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t effective and usually produces a higher air conditioner bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temp controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a convenient fix, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.

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

We recommend trying an equivalent test over a week, setting your temperature higher and steadily turning it down to pick the best temperature for your family. On pleasant nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable option than using the AC.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

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

  1. Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping AC bills down.
  2. Schedule regular air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating properly and may help it work at greater efficiency. It may also help extend its life cycle, since it allows pros to spot small issues before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too often, and raise your electrical.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort troubles in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air within your home.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Stieferman Heating Company Inc

If you are looking to save more energy during hot weather, our Stieferman Heating Company Inc specialists can provide assistance. Give us a call at 573-635-3547 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling options.