You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at the right temperature during hot days.

But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We review ideas from energy pros so you can determine the best temperature for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and exterior temperatures, 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 seems warm, there are ways you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioner going constantly.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver extra insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too hot initially, try running an experiment for approximately a week. Begin by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily lower it while following the suggestions above. You might be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

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

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and typically results in a higher electricity expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temperature under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you go.

If you want a hassle-free remedy, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of installing 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 suggests 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise using a comparable test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and progressively lowering it to locate the right temperature for your family. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better solution than using the AC.

More Approaches to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra approaches you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping electrical bills down.
  2. Schedule annual air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working properly and may help it run at greater efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it helps techs to discover seemingly insignificant problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too often, and drive up your electrical.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of 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 seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air within your home.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning

If you need to conserve more energy this summer, our Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning professionals can provide assistance. Reach us at 512-355-1482 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling options.