You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temp during hot days.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We review recommendations from energy pros so you can select the best temperature for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outside temperatures, your AC costs will be bigger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are ways you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioning running frequently.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—inside. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver extra insulation and improved energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too hot initially, try conducting a test for approximately a week. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually decrease it while following the advice above. You could be amazed at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning running all day while your home is empty. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t useful and usually produces a more expensive electricity cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you go.

If you want a handy fix, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. The majority of 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 chilly, based on your PJ and blanket preference.

We recommend using a comparable test over a week, putting your temperature higher and steadily turning it down to determine the ideal temp for your family. On cool nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior option than operating the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are other methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping electricity expenses down.
  2. Schedule annual air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating like it should and could help it work more efficiently. It could also help prolong its life expectancy, since it allows technicians to uncover small troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too much, and drive up your electrical.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort troubles in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air indoors.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Connolly Electric & Mechanical

If you want to save more energy during hot weather, our Connolly Electric & Mechanical specialists can provide assistance. Reach us at 928-862-5977 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.