You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a refreshing setting during muggy weather.

But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy experts so you can determine the best temp for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

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

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—inside. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer more insulation and improved energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s since they freshen by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too warm on the surface, try running a test for a week or so. Begin by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily lower it while following the tips above. You might be amazed at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

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

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t effective and typically leads to a higher electrical expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a handy solution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.

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

We recommend following a comparable test over a week, setting your temperature higher and slowly lowering it to determine the right temperature for your family. On mild nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the AC.

More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are other methods you can conserve money on air conditioning bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient AC 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 energy expenses down.
  2. Book regular air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running properly and could help it operate at better efficiency. It may also help prolong its life span, since it enables technicians to find little troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and increase your utility.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the U.S. 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 inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort issues in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air within your home.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Rescue Heating & Air

If you want to save more energy during hot weather, our Rescue Heating & Air pros can provide assistance. Give us a call at 361-603-4784 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling options.