You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a refreshing temp during muggy weather.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy pros so you can select the best temperature for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outside warmth, your utility bills will be larger.

These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are ways you can keep your residence refreshing without having the AC going all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give added insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too hot initially, try doing a test for a week or so. Start by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively turn it down while using the tips above. You could be shocked at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner working all day while your home is vacant. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t productive and typically produces a more expensive cooling expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your settings controlled, 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 take off.

If you want a convenient resolution, 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 automatically adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year 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 regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

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

We advise trying a comparable test over a week, putting your temp higher and progressively turning it down to pick the best temp for your family. On mild nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than using the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

There are extra methods you can conserve money on AC bills throughout the summer.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping AC bills down.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running properly and could help it operate at better efficiency. It could also help extend its life expectancy, since it allows technicians to pinpoint little troubles before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your utility.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak cool 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 openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.

Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with North Mechanical Heating and Cooling

If you want to save more energy during hot weather, our North Mechanical Heating and Cooling specialists can assist you. Get in touch with us at 928-263-8570 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling options.