You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at the right temp during muggy weather.

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

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and outdoor warmth, your AC expenses will be greater.

These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems warm, there are methods you can keep your home refreshing without having the AC on frequently.

Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver extra insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

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

If 78 degrees still seems too warm initially, try running a test for approximately a week. Get started by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while following the advice above. You may be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning running all day while your house is vacant. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t productive and typically produces a higher air conditioner cost.

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

If you’re looking for a handy solution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for most 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 cool, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We suggest running a similar test over a week, setting your temp higher and progressively turning it down to select the ideal temperature for your family. On mild nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior idea than operating the air conditioning.

More Ways to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

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

  1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electrical expenses low.
  2. Set annual air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running properly and could help it work at greater efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life cycle, since it allows pros to discover little troubles before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and drive up your electricity.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the USA 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 examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort troubles in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air within your home.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with Childress Heating & AC

If you need to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Childress Heating & AC experts can assist you. Get in touch with us at 540-675-4306 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling options.