You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temp during muggy weather.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We go over ideas from energy experts so you can find the best temperature for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outside temps, your utility bills will be higher.

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 methods you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner going frequently.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—indoors. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide more insulation and improved energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s since they cool with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try conducting an experiment for a week or so. Get started by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily lower it while using the advice above. You might be astonished at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

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

When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t useful and often leads to a bigger electrical cost.

A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temperature in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you take off.

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

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

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

We advise trying an equivalent test over a week, setting your temp higher and gradually turning it down to pick the best temperature for your house. On pleasant nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior option than using the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are added methods you can conserve money on AC bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping AC costs low.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running like it should and may help it work more efficiently. It might also help lengthen its life cycle, since it allows professionals to discover seemingly insignificant problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and raise your cooling.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of 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 lead to major comfort issues in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air inside.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Air Temperature Control

If you want to save more energy this summer, our Air Temperature Control specialists can help. Get in touch with us at 478-202-3170 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.