You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at the right temperature during warm days.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We review advice from energy specialists so you can find the best temp for your loved ones.

Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Florissant and St. Charles.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and exterior warmth, your cooling costs will be greater.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are methods you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioner going frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—inside. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give added insulation and improved energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s since they freshen with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too hot on the surface, try conducting a test for a week or so. Get started by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually lower it while following the ideas above. You may be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning working all day while your home is vacant. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t productive and typically leads to a more expensive cooling expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temperature in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a hassle-free resolution, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for many 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 could be too cold, based on your clothing and blanket preference.

We recommend following a comparable test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and slowly lowering it to locate the right temperature for your residence. On cool nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable option than running the air conditioner.

More Ways to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are other ways you can conserve money on AC bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping electrical expenses small.
  2. Book annual air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating like it should and might help it run at better efficiency. It might also help extend its life expectancy, since it enables pros to find small troubles before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and raise your utility.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.

Use Less Energy This Summer with B & B Heating & Cooling

If you are looking to use less energy this summer, our B & B Heating & Cooling professionals can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 314-668-8530 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling products.