You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a refreshing temperature during the summer.

But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy pros so you can choose the best setting for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and outside temperatures, your cooling costs will be larger.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds hot, there are methods you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioner on constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give 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 giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try running an experiment for a week or so. Begin by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively decrease it while adhering to the tips above. You might be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC running all day while your home is vacant. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and typically results in a bigger electrical cost.

A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temp controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you go.

If you need a convenient remedy, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

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

We recommend following an equivalent test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and progressively decreasing it to locate the best setting for your family. On cool nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better solution than operating the air conditioning.

More Methods to Save Energy This Summer

There are additional methods you can save money on AC bills throughout the summer.

  1. Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping energy bills small.
  2. Set regular air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working smoothly and might help it work more efficiently. It might also help prolong its life span, since it allows technicians to uncover seemingly insignificant troubles before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and increase your utility.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort troubles in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air indoors.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc

If you want to use less energy during hot weather, our Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc specialists can provide assistance. Reach us at 251-471-2674 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling products.