You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at the right temperature during hot days.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy experts so you can determine the best temp for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and outside temperatures, your AC costs will be greater.

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

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

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cold air where it should be—inside. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver extra insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s since they refresh by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable initially, try doing a test for approximately a week. Begin by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while using the ideas above. You could be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner working all day while your residence is empty. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and often leads to a higher AC bill.

A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temp controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.

If you’re looking for a convenient solution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for many families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend running a comparable test over a week, putting your temp higher and gradually lowering it to pinpoint the ideal temperature for your house. On cool nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior solution than operating the air conditioner.

More Methods to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are other approaches you can conserve money on AC bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping utility bills small.
  2. Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working like it should and may help it operate at better efficiency. It can also help extend its life cycle, since it helps techs to uncover little issues before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too often, and raise your utility.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort issues in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air within your home.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning

If you are looking to use less energy this summer, our Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning pros can provide assistance. Reach us at 805-242-9638 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling products.