You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant temperature during muggy weather.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy specialists so you can select the best setting for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and outside temperatures, your electrical costs will be bigger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are methods you can keep your home cool without having the AC going constantly.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—inside. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give extra insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s because they cool through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too hot initially, try conducting an experiment for a week or so. Begin by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively lower it while using the advice above. You might be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC on all day while your residence is empty. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t useful and usually leads to a more expensive electrical bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temp controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.

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

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

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

We advise following a comparable test over a week, setting your temp higher and gradually turning it down to pick the best temp for your residence. On mild nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better option than using the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are additional ways you can save 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 become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping cooling expenses down.
  2. Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running properly and might help it run more efficiently. It could also help prolong its life span, since it helps techs to find little issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too much, and raise your electrical.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort issues in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air indoors.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Siloam Springs Heating & AC

If you need to conserve more energy this summer, our Siloam Springs Heating & AC pros can help. Reach us at 479-308-8176 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling options.