You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temperature during the summer.

But what is the best setting, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy experts so you can determine the best temp for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and exterior temperatures, your AC expenses will be larger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are ways you can keep your house cool without having the AC going constantly.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cold air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver more insulation and better energy conservation.

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 with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable at first glance, try running a test for about a week. Begin by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively turn it down while following the ideas above. You might be shocked at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner running all day while your house is unoccupied. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t effective and often produces a higher electricity expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your settings under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a convenient remedy, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, due to your PJ and blanket preference.

We advise trying a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and progressively turning it down to pinpoint the ideal setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable option than operating the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are added ways you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping electrical expenses down.
  2. Book regular air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running like it should and might help it operate more efficiently. It can also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it helps pros to spot small problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too frequently, and drive up your cooling.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort troubles in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air inside.

Use Less Energy This Summer with Stieferman Heating Company Inc

If you want 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 additional info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.