You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant setting during muggy weather.

But what is the best temp, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy specialists so you can find the best setting for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and exterior temps, your electrical expenses 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 sounds too high, there are ways you can keep your house cool without having the AC on constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—within your home. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver extra insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they cool with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable at first glance, try running a test for approximately a week. Start by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily turn it down while following the suggestions above. You may be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC working all day while your home is vacant. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t effective and usually produces a bigger electrical cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your settings in check, 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 hassle-free solution, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

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

We suggest using a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and slowly decreasing it to choose the right temperature for your house. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than operating the air conditioning.

More Ways to Save Energy During Warm Weather

There are added methods you can spend less money on air conditioning bills throughout the summer.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping energy costs down.
  2. Set annual air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running smoothly and may help it operate at better efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life cycle, since it helps professionals to discover small problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters regularly. Use 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 raise your electricity.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have proper 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 inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort issues in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.

Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Air Temperature Control

If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Air Temperature Control pros can help. Get in touch with us at 478-202-3170 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling options.