You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a refreshing setting during summer weather.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We review ideas from energy specialists so you can select the best setting for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outdoor temps, your cooling expenses 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 sounds too high, there are ways you can keep your home refreshing without having the AC going frequently.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer added insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they refresh by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm at first glance, try running an experiment for a week or so. Start by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily decrease it while adhering to the advice above. You might be surprised at how cool 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 house is vacant. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and often leads to a more expensive electricity bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temperature under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you go.

If you need a hassle-free fix, think about 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 modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

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

We suggest running an equivalent test over a week, setting your temperature higher and gradually decreasing it to determine the best temp for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better option than running the air conditioning.

More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra ways you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping energy bills small.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working properly and might help it work more efficiently. It may also help prolong its life span, since it helps technicians to spot little problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too frequently, and raise your electrical.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort issues in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.

Save More Energy This Summer with North Mechanical Heating and Cooling

If you need to save more energy during warm weather, our North Mechanical Heating and Cooling pros can help. Get in touch with us at 928-263-6494 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling options.