You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at the right temp during hot days.

But what is the right temp, exactly? We go over ideas from energy specialists so you can determine the best temp for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outdoor warmth, your cooling bills will be greater.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are approaches you can keep your residence cool without having the AC running all the time.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer more insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they cool by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable initially, try running an experiment for about a week. Start by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually decrease it while following the tips above. You could be astonished at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner running all day while your house is empty. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t effective and typically produces a higher electricity cost.

A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temp controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a hassle-free fix, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant 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 advises 65–68 degrees. But that might be too cool, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We suggest running an equivalent test over a week, setting your temp higher and slowly lowering it to determine the ideal temp for your residence. On pleasant nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better option than using the AC.

More Ways to Save Energy This Summer

There are added approaches you can save money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping utility expenses low.
  2. Book regular air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running smoothly and might help it run at greater efficiency. It could also help prolong its life span, since it enables pros to discover small issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too much, and increase your electricity.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air within your home.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Stieferman Heating Company Inc

If you want to use less energy during warm weather, our Stieferman Heating Company Inc experts can assist you. Give us a call at 573-635-3547 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.