You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temp during muggy weather.

But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We review ideas from energy pros so you can choose the best setting 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 households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and outside warmth, your cooling expenses will be greater.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are approaches you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioner running frequently.

Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—within your home. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer added insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try doing a trial for about a week. Start by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily lower it while adhering to the advice above. You could be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC going all day while your house is unoccupied. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t useful and often leads to a higher electrical cost.

A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free remedy, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

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

We advise following a similar test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and progressively decreasing it to choose the best setting for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the air conditioning.

More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are other methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping cooling expenses small.
  2. Set regular air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating smoothly and may help it run at better efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life span, since it allows professionals to pinpoint seemingly insignificant problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too much, and raise your energy.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort issues in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Stieferman Heating Company Inc

If you need to save more energy during hot weather, our Stieferman Heating Company Inc specialists can provide assistance. Reach us at 573-635-3547 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling products.