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

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We go over advice from energy specialists so you can find the best temp for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and exterior temps, your AC costs 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 methods you can keep your residence refreshing without having the AC running all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide more insulation and better energy efficiency.

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

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try doing a trial 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 might 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 working all day while your residence is vacant. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t effective and typically leads to a bigger electricity bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temp controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a handy 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 away. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend running an equivalent test over a week, moving your temp higher and progressively turning it down to find the best temperature for your family. On mild nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are added ways you can save money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping utility expenses small.
  2. Book regular air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and could help it work at greater efficiency. It might also help extend its life cycle, since it helps technicians to uncover small issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and increase your cooling.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort troubles in your house, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air within your home.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with Clean Air HVAC

If you want to use less energy during hot weather, our Clean Air HVAC professionals can assist you. Give us a call at 925-233-6238 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.