You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant temperature during warm days.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We go over advice from energy experts so you can choose the best temperature for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outside temps, your electrical expenses will be higher.

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 house pleasant without having the AC on all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide more insulation and improved energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s since they freshen through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try conducting an experiment for a week or so. Start by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively turn it down while using the suggestions above. You could be amazed at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC on all day while your home is unoccupied. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t effective and typically produces a more expensive AC cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your settings under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.

If you want a handy resolution, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, due to your PJ and blanket preference.

We advise running a similar test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and gradually turning it down to choose the best temp for your residence. On cool nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than running the air conditioning.

More Methods to Save Energy During Warm Weather

There are additional ways 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 become less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping utility bills low.
  2. Book regular air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating properly and might help it operate at better efficiency. It might also help prolong its life cycle, since it helps techs to find little issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too frequently, and drive up your energy.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort troubles in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air indoors.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with ACS Heating and Air Conditioning

If you want to conserve more energy during hot weather, our ACS Heating and Air Conditioning pros can assist you. Reach us at 770-450-1539 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling options.