You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at the right temperature during warm days.

But what is the best temp, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy specialists so you can choose the best temp for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and exterior temps, your AC expenses will be higher.

These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are approaches you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioner on frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—indoors. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide added insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they refresh with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try running an experiment for about a week. Get started by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the advice above. You could be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC going all day while your home is unoccupied. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t productive and typically leads to a bigger electricity bill.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a hassle-free remedy, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re away. 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 watch and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, due to your clothing and blanket preference.

We recommend using a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and progressively lowering it to determine the best temp for your family. On pleasant nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than using the air conditioner.

More Ways to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are other ways you can save money on energy bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping energy costs low.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating smoothly and could help it operate at better efficiency. It could also help extend its life span, since it allows techs to find little issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and drive up your utility.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air inside.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Premium Air Services LLC

If you need to use less energy this summer, our Premium Air Services LLC pros can assist you. Reach us at 713-364-9957 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling products.