You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant setting during the summer.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy professionals 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 families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and outside temperatures, 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 warm, there are ways you can keep your residence cool without having the AC going all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—inside. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer more insulation and better energy conservation.

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

If 78 degrees still appears too warm at first glance, try running an experiment for a week or so. Get started by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually decrease it while adhering to the advice above. You may be amazed at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

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

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t productive and usually results in a more expensive AC expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temp controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a handy solution, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of getting 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 suggests 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, due to your clothing and blanket preference.

We recommend using a comparable test over a week, setting your temperature higher and progressively turning it down to pick the ideal setting for your house. On mild nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better option than operating the air conditioner.

More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are added approaches you can save money on AC bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping electrical bills down.
  2. Book regular air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running like it should and may help it run at greater efficiency. It may also help prolong its life expectancy, since it allows technicians to discover small problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too much, and increase your electricity.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air indoors.

Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with B & B Heating & Cooling

If you are looking to save more energy during hot weather, our B & B Heating & Cooling professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 314-325-7552 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling products.