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

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We go over ideas from energy specialists so you can find the best temperature for your home.

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

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 greater.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are ways you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioning going all the time.

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

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

If 78 degrees still seems too hot at first glance, try conducting a trial for approximately a week. Begin by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively turn it down while using the advice above. You could be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner running all day while your residence is empty. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t effective and usually leads to a bigger electrical expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.

If you want a hassle-free fix, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of installing 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 most families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, due to your PJ and blanket preference.

We recommend trying an equivalent test over a week, moving your temp higher and steadily lowering it to locate the ideal temp for your family. On cool nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior solution than using the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

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

  1. Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping electricity expenses small.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating smoothly and may help it work at greater efficiency. It might also help extend its life cycle, since it helps techs to pinpoint small problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and raise your electrical.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences 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 require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort troubles in your house, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air indoors.

Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning

If you are looking to save more energy during hot weather, our Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning professionals can assist you. Reach us at 805-242-9638 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.