You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temp during warm days.

But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We review suggestions from energy specialists so you can find the best setting for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and outside temps, your utility costs will be bigger.

These are our suggestions 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 all the time.

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

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they freshen by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try doing a trial for approximately a week. Begin by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually turn it down while adhering to the ideas above. You might be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner on all day while your home is empty. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC 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 productive and usually results in a more expensive electrical cost.

A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your settings under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you go.

If you need a convenient remedy, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly 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 almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We suggest using a similar test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and progressively decreasing it to pick the right temp for your family. On pleasant nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior idea than operating the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra ways you can save money on AC bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping utility bills low.
  2. Schedule annual air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running like it should and might help it run at better efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life span, since it enables professionals to spot seemingly insignificant issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and drive up your electrical.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of 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 cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort issues in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air indoors.

Use Less Energy This Summer with Balance Point Heating & Cooling

If you are looking to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Balance Point Heating & Cooling pros can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 816-265-0448 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.