You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temp during muggy weather.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy professionals so you can determine the best temperature for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and exterior temperatures, 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 seems too high, there are methods you can keep your house refreshing without having the AC running frequently.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer more insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s because they cool by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too warm on the surface, try doing a test for a week or so. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily turn it down while using the advice above. You could be astonished at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning running all day while your house is unoccupied. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t effective and often results in a bigger electrical bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temperature under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.

If you want a convenient fix, consider installing 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 automatically adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of installing 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 suggests 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for many families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise running a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and gradually decreasing it to select the best temperature for your family. On mild nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior option than using the AC.

More Methods to Save Energy This Summer

There are added approaches you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping utility costs small.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running properly and may help it operate at better efficiency. It can also help extend its life expectancy, since it allows techs to spot small troubles before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and increase your cooling.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have adequate 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 leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort troubles in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air within your home.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Premium Air Services LLC

If you want to save more energy during warm weather, our Premium Air Services LLC experts can assist you. Give us a call at 713-364-9957 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling options.