You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a pleasant temp during warm days.

But what is the best temp, exactly? We review suggestions from energy professionals so you can choose the best setting for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your electrical costs 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 sounds hot, there are approaches you can keep your home pleasant without having the AC running all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver extra insulation and better energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable at first glance, try conducting an experiment for about a week. Get started by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually lower it while following the advice above. You might be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC running all day while your residence is vacant. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t productive and often leads to a more expensive electricity expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your settings controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you leave.

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

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, based on your clothing and blanket preference.

We recommend following a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and slowly lowering it to pinpoint the best temperature for your residence. On cool nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior idea than using the air conditioner.

More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are extra ways you can conserve money on air conditioning bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping electrical costs low.
  2. Set regular air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running smoothly and might help it operate at greater efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life cycle, since it allows technicians to find small problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too much, and raise your energy.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air within your home.

Use Less Energy This Summer with Titan Heating & Air Conditioning

If you need to use less energy during warm weather, our Titan Heating & Air Conditioning specialists can help. Reach us at 541-243-7524 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.