You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant temperature during the summer.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We discuss advice from energy specialists so you can choose the best temp for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outside warmth, your electricity bills will be larger.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are methods you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioner going constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—within your home. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide extra insulation and better energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable at first glance, try doing a trial for a week or so. Get started by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually decrease it while using the ideas above. You could be surprised at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner running all day while your house is vacant. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t effective and often results in a more expensive AC cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temperature under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free remedy, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that may be too cool, based on your PJ and blanket preference.

We advise running a similar test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and steadily lowering it to select the ideal temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than operating the AC.

More Methods to Save Energy This Summer

There are additional ways you can save money on utility bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping electrical bills down.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working smoothly and may help it run more efficiently. It may also help prolong its life expectancy, since it enables techs to pinpoint seemingly insignificant problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too often, and increase your energy.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air inside.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning

If you want to conserve more energy this summer, our Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning pros can help. Reach us at 805-691-7554 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling products.