You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temperature during the summer.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy pros so you can find the best temperature for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and exterior temps, your AC costs 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 appears warm, there are approaches you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioning on constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cold air where it should be—inside. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer extra insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they refresh through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too warm on the surface, try running a test for a week or so. Get started by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily lower it while using the tips above. You may be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

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

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

A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.

If you need a hassle-free fix, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for most families. Most 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 cool, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise using an equivalent test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and gradually turning it down to select the right temperature 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 air conditioner.

More Methods to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are additional ways you can conserve money on energy bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping utility expenses down.
  2. Set regular air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating like it should and may help it work at greater efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life span, since it enables technicians to uncover little troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too much, and increase your energy.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort issues in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air indoors.

Use Less Energy This Summer with Myers Furnace Company

If you want to save more energy this summer, our Myers Furnace Company professionals can assist you. Reach us at 816-249-1619 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling options.