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

But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy specialists so you can determine the best temp for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outside temps, your cooling expenses 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 approaches you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioning going frequently.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—within your home. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver extra insulation and enhanced energy savings.

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

If 78 degrees still appears too hot at first glance, try doing an experiment for about a week. Begin by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively decrease it while using the ideas above. You might be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning working all day while your house is unoccupied. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t effective and often produces a higher cooling cost.

A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temp controlled, 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 resolution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend running an equivalent test over a week, moving your temp higher and progressively decreasing it to locate the right setting for your family. On cool nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable option than running the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are additional ways you can spend less money on utility bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping electrical expenses down.
  2. Schedule regular air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running like it should and could help it work more efficiently. It can also help extend its life span, since it allows techs to pinpoint seemingly insignificant troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too often, and drive up your electricity.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of 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 leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort troubles in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air inside.

Use Less Energy This Summer with Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc

If you want to use less energy during warm weather, our Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc experts can help. Reach us at 251-471-2674 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling products.