You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temp during warm days.

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

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outside warmth, your AC 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 appears too high, there are approaches you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioner going all the time.

Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—indoors. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give extra insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable on the surface, try running a trial for about a week. Get started by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually lower it while following the advice above. You may be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner running all day while your residence is empty. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t useful and often leads to a more expensive cooling bill.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temperature in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a convenient remedy, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.

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

We recommend running an equivalent test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and progressively decreasing it to locate the best temp for your house. On pleasant nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better solution than running the AC.

More Methods to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

There are added methods you can conserve money on energy bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping cooling bills small.
  2. Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running properly and could help it work at greater efficiency. It may also help extend its life expectancy, since it helps technicians to spot little troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and increase your utility.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort problems in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air indoors.

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

If you want to use less energy this summer, our Siloam Springs Heating & AC experts can provide assistance. Reach us at 479-308-8176 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling products.