You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing setting during warm days.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy specialists so you can choose the best temperature for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outdoor temperatures, your electrical 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 sounds hot, there are approaches you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioning going all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer added insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s since they refresh with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable on the surface, try conducting an experiment for about a week. Get started by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily turn it down while adhering to the tips above. You could be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

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

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

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your settings in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you take off.

If you’re looking for a convenient solution, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of getting 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 could be too uncomfortable for many families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We advise trying an equivalent test over a week, moving your temp higher and steadily turning it down to find the best temperature for your family. On cool nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior idea than operating the air conditioning.

More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are additional methods you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping utility expenses small.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating properly and may help it work at greater efficiency. It could also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it helps techs to discover small troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and raise your electrical.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air inside.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with True Temp Heating & Air Conditioning

If you want to conserve more energy this summer, our True Temp Heating & Air Conditioning professionals can assist you. Reach us at 706-695-7492 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling products.