You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a pleasant temperature during the summer.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We review recommendations from energy specialists so you can determine the best temp 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 households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and exterior warmth, your cooling 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 warm, there are approaches you can keep your residence refreshing without having the AC running all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cold air where it should be—inside. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide added insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s because they refresh through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too hot on the surface, try doing an experiment for about a week. Begin by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually turn it down while following the tips above. You could be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning running all day while your house is empty. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t effective and usually produces a more expensive electrical expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temperature controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.

If you need a hassle-free remedy, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk 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 advises 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, due to your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise following a similar test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and gradually lowering it to choose the right temp for your family. On cool nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable option than operating the AC.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

There are additional methods you can save money on utility bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient cooling 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 residence cooler while keeping utility costs low.
  2. Schedule regular air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating properly and could help it work at greater efficiency. It may also help extend its life expectancy, since it helps pros to find small troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and drive up your electrical.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort issues in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air inside.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Air Temperature Control

If you want to use less energy during hot weather, our Air Temperature Control professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 478-202-3170 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.