You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at the right setting during summer weather.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We discuss advice from energy pros so you can determine the best temperature for your loved ones.

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

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 indoor and outside temps, your AC bills 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 sounds hot, there are ways you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioning going all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—within your home. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give more insulation and better energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s since they cool through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too hot initially, try conducting an experiment for approximately a week. Begin by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively decrease it while using the suggestions above. You could be surprised at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning running all day while your residence is empty. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t effective and often leads to a higher air conditioner expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temp in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a hassle-free remedy, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of installing 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 may be unpleasant for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise using an equivalent test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and slowly turning it down to pinpoint the best setting for your family. On pleasant nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than running the AC.

More Ways to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are additional approaches you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping electrical costs low.
  2. Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and might help it work at better efficiency. It might also help extend its life span, since it enables technicians to discover little issues before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too frequently, and raise your electricity.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort troubles in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air indoors.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Clean Air HVAC

If you want to conserve more energy this summer, our Clean Air HVAC experts can assist you. Reach us at 925-233-6238 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.