You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temperature during warm days.

But what is the right temp, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy professionals so you can find the best temp for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outdoor temperatures, your cooling bills 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 methods you can keep your house pleasant without having the AC running constantly.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver more insulation and better energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try conducting a test for a week or so. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually turn it down while using the tips above. You might be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner running all day while your home is vacant. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t productive and typically results in a more expensive air conditioner bill.

A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temp controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.

If you need a hassle-free remedy, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for most families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that may be too chilly, due to your PJ and blanket preference.

We recommend following an equivalent test over a week, moving your temp higher and gradually decreasing it to pinpoint the ideal setting for your residence. On mild nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior solution than running the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are added ways you can spend less money on utility bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping cooling expenses down.
  2. Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating properly and may help it run more efficiently. It could also help prolong its life cycle, since it allows professionals to uncover small problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and increase your energy.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the United States 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 separated over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort issues in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air indoors.

Use Less Energy This Summer with Air Current AC & Heat

If you are looking to save more energy during warm weather, our Air Current AC & Heat pros can assist you. Get in touch with us at 713-257-9226 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling options.