You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at the right temp during the summer.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We go over advice from energy experts so you can determine the best temperature for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and exterior temperatures, your electricity expenses will be bigger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are approaches you can keep your residence refreshing without having the AC running frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer extra insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

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

If 78 degrees still seems too warm at first glance, try doing a test for approximately a week. Get started by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively decrease it while using the tips above. You could be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC going all day while your home is vacant. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t useful and often leads to a higher electricity bill.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temp in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you take off.

If you’re looking for a convenient solution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.

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

We recommend using a comparable test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and gradually turning it down to pick the right temp for your residence. On cool nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior option than operating the air conditioning.

More Methods to Save Energy This Summer

There are added approaches you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping AC bills low.
  2. Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working smoothly and could help it run at better efficiency. It can also help prolong its life span, since it enables professionals to spot seemingly insignificant problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too much, and increase your energy.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 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 major comfort issues in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air inside.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with JTech Mechanical

If you are looking to use less energy during warm weather, our JTech Mechanical professionals can help. Give us a call at 281-231-8768 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.