You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing temp 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 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 placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outside warmth, your AC costs 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 warm, there are methods you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioning on constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give added insulation and improved energy savings.

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

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try doing an experiment for about a week. Begin by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily turn it down while adhering to the tips above. You may be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner working all day while your house is unoccupied. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and typically results in a higher cooling bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temp under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a hassle-free solution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, due to your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise using an equivalent test over a week, putting your temperature higher and steadily turning it down to determine the best temp for your family. On mild nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the air conditioner.

More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are added methods you can conserve money on utility bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping energy expenses low.
  2. Book annual air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating properly and might help it work more efficiently. It can also help prolong its life span, since it helps techs to spot seemingly insignificant troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and increase your energy.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort problems in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air within your home.

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

If you want to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning pros can provide assistance. Give us a call at 805-242-9638 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.