You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing temperature during hot days.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy pros so you can determine the best temperature for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and outside temps, your cooling bills will be larger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are ways you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioning running frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—inside. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer more insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too hot initially, try running a test for a week or so. Start by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually lower it while following the ideas above. You may be amazed at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning working all day while your house is empty. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a more expensive electricity expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temp controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a handy remedy, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend running a comparable test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and slowly lowering it to choose the best temperature for your house. On cool nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable option than running the air conditioner.

More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are additional methods you can save money on air conditioning bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping energy bills small.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating like it should and could help it work at greater efficiency. It could also help prolong its life span, since it allows technicians to discover little troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too frequently, and drive up your electricity.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your house, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air inside.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with B&D Air Conditioning

If you are looking to conserve more energy this summer, our B&D Air Conditioning professionals can help. Give us a call at 928-432-6018 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling products.