You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temperature during summer weather.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We go over advice from energy professionals so you can select the best temperature for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outside temps, your electrical expenses 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 approaches you can keep your home refreshing without having the AC on constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide more insulation and better energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable at first glance, try doing an experiment for approximately a week. Get started by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually lower it while following the ideas above. You might be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

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

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t useful and typically produces a more expensive AC expense.

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

If you want a convenient fix, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $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 regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We suggest following a similar test over a week, setting your temperature higher and gradually lowering it to pinpoint the right setting for your family. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the AC.

More Ways to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are added methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Buy 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 cooler while keeping utility expenses small.
  2. Set regular air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and may help it operate more efficiently. It can also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it helps professionals to pinpoint seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and increase your cooling.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the United States don’t have proper 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 inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort troubles in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.

Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Air Temperature Control

If you are looking to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Air Temperature Control experts can assist you. Reach us at 478-339-3882 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling products.