You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at the right temp during hot days.

But what is the best setting, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy professionals so you can determine the best temp for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and outdoor temperatures, your utility bills 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 sounds too high, there are ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the AC running frequently.

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

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

If 78 degrees still feels too hot on the surface, try doing a trial for approximately a week. Start by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually lower it while following the ideas above. You might be amazed at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

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

When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t productive and typically produces a bigger AC cost.

A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your settings under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you leave.

If you’re looking for a handy remedy, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for many families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that might be too chilly, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We advise using a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and progressively decreasing it to determine the right temperature for your residence. On mild nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable option than operating the AC.

More Methods to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

There are added ways you can spend less money on air conditioning bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping AC expenses small.
  2. Book regular air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working properly and might help it run at greater efficiency. It may also help prolong its life cycle, since it enables techs to pinpoint small problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your utility.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort issues in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Myers Furnace Company

If you are looking to use less energy this summer, our Myers Furnace Company pros can assist you. Get in touch with us at 816-370-5244 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.