You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant temperature during summer weather.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy experts so you can find the best setting for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and exterior temperatures, your AC expenses will be higher.

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

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

Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cool air where it should be—inside. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide 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 compromising comfort. That’s since they cool through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too warm at first glance, try running an experiment for approximately a week. Begin by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively decrease it while adhering to the tips above. You could be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner going all day while your residence is vacant. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and typically produces a higher cooling cost.

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

If you’re looking for a convenient fix, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of having 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 recommends 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that could be too chilly, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise running a comparable test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and progressively turning it down to find the ideal setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior idea than operating the air conditioning.

More Methods to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

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

  1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning 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 more comfortable while keeping energy costs small.
  2. Schedule annual air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working like it should and might help it work at greater efficiency. It can also help prolong its life expectancy, since it enables technicians to spot little issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too much, and raise your cooling.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort issues in your house, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air inside.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Blackwell Heating & AC

If you want to save more energy during warm weather, our Blackwell Heating & AC specialists can assist you. Reach us at 910-483-4696 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling products.