You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temp during warm days.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy professionals so you can select the best temp for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and outside warmth, your cooling expenses 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 sounds hot, there are ways you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioning going constantly.

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

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s because they cool by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable at first glance, try conducting an experiment for approximately a week. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually turn it down while adhering to the ideas above. You could be amazed at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC on all day while your home is empty. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t effective and often results in a bigger AC expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temp controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.

If you need a hassle-free resolution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of installing 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 might be too uncomfortable for many families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, due to your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise using a comparable test over a week, putting your temperature higher and gradually lowering it to select the right temp for your house. On pleasant nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than running the air conditioning.

More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are other ways you can spend less money on energy bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping electrical expenses small.
  2. Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating properly and may help it operate more efficiently. It could also help lengthen its life cycle, since it allows techs to find small problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and increase your cooling.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most 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 cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort problems in your home, like 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 cool air within your home.

Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Rescue Heating & Air

If you need to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Rescue Heating & Air specialists can help. Give us a call at 361-265-4371 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.