You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temperature during muggy weather.

But what is the right temp, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy specialists so you can determine the best setting for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and exterior warmth, your electrical expenses will be greater.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are methods you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioner running constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer added insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too warm on the surface, try doing a trial for about a week. Begin by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively turn it down while following the advice above. You could be astonished at how comfortable 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 residence is unoccupied. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t effective and usually leads to a more expensive AC expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temp under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you go.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free remedy, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.

We recommend running a similar test over a week, setting your temp higher and slowly turning it down to find the right temp for your residence. On cool nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the AC.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are other ways you can save money on energy bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping AC costs small.
  2. Schedule annual air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working like it should and could help it work more efficiently. It might also help lengthen its life cycle, since it helps professionals to spot small issues before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your energy.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air within your home.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc

If you want to conserve more energy this summer, our Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc professionals can provide assistance. Reach us at 602-789-3315 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling products.