You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at the right setting during muggy weather.

But what is the right temp, exactly? We review suggestions from energy experts so you can choose the best temperature for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and exterior temperatures, your electrical bills 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 seems hot, there are approaches you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioning running all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—within your home. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver more insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable on the surface, try running a trial for approximately a week. Get started by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while using the ideas above. You may be amazed at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC going all day while your residence is empty. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t useful and typically produces a more expensive air conditioner cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temperature controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.

If you’re looking for a handy remedy, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.

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

We recommend following an equivalent test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and slowly decreasing it to determine the right temp for your house. On pleasant nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the air conditioner.

More Methods to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are added methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping energy bills down.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working like it should and could help it work at better efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life span, since it enables pros to discover seemingly insignificant troubles before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too frequently, and increase your electricity.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air indoors.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning

If you are looking to save more energy during warm weather, our Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning pros can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 805-242-9638 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling options.