You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temperature during muggy weather.

But what is the best setting, exactly? We discuss advice from energy professionals so you can choose 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 people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outside warmth, your AC costs will be larger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are approaches you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioning going all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver added insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s since they refresh through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot at first glance, try running a trial for approximately a week. Begin by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily lower it while following the ideas above. You could be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning on all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and typically leads to a higher air conditioner cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a handy solution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

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

We suggest using a similar test over a week, moving your temperature higher and steadily turning it down to pick the right temp for your family. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better option than operating the air conditioner.

More Ways to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

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

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping cooling expenses down.
  2. Schedule regular air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working smoothly and may help it operate more efficiently. It could also help lengthen its life span, since it helps professionals to discover small problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too frequently, and raise your energy.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort issues in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air indoors.

Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Rescue Heating & Air

If you need to save more energy during warm weather, our Rescue Heating & Air professionals can help. Reach us at 361-265-4371 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.