You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a refreshing temp during hot days.

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

Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Temple/Belton .

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and exterior warmth, your electricity costs 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 too high, there are methods you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioning running frequently.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give added insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they freshen by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try doing a test for approximately a week. Start by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily lower it while following the tips above. You could be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning going all day while your house is vacant. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t effective and usually results in a higher AC expense.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your settings controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you go.

If you want a handy remedy, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

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

We advise running a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and steadily lowering it to locate the best setting for your family. On cool nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the air conditioning.

More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer

There are other ways you can spend less money on AC bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping cooling costs low.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working like it should and could help it operate more efficiently. It could also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it allows technicians to uncover little issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and raise your electricity.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort issues in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air within your home.

Use Less Energy This Summer with Bell Air Conditioning Inc

If you are looking to use less energy during warm weather, our Bell Air Conditioning Inc specialists can assist you. Reach us at 254-307-9572 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling options.