You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at the right temperature during the summer.

But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We review recommendations from energy pros so you can select the best temperature for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outside warmth, your AC costs 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 residence pleasant without having the air conditioning going frequently.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—indoors. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give more insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s since they freshen through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try conducting an experiment for a week or so. Start by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily turn it down while using the suggestions above. You may be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC going all day while your home is unoccupied. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t useful and typically produces a higher AC expense.

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

If you need a handy remedy, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that could be too chilly, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We advise using a similar test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and progressively decreasing it to pinpoint the ideal temp for your house. On cool nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better solution than running the air conditioner.

More Methods to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are additional approaches you can spend less money on energy bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electrical bills down.
  2. Set annual air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and may help it work at better efficiency. It could also help lengthen its life span, since it enables techs to discover small issues before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too frequently, and increase your electrical.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort issues in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air inside.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Siloam Springs Heating & AC

If you are looking to use less energy during warm weather, our Siloam Springs Heating & AC experts can assist you. Reach us at 479-448-2261 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.