You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a pleasant temperature during summer weather.

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

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outside warmth, your electrical costs will be bigger.

These are our recommendations 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 conditioner on frequently.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver added insulation and better energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too hot at first glance, try conducting a test for about a week. Begin by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily decrease it while adhering to the tips above. You may be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

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

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t effective and often produces a higher electricity bill.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temp in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a convenient resolution, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, due to your pajama and blanket preference.

We suggest running an equivalent test over a week, moving your temp higher and gradually decreasing it to determine the ideal temp for your family. On cool nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior option than using the air conditioning.

More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are other methods you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electrical expenses small.
  2. Schedule annual air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and could help it work more efficiently. It might also help extend its life cycle, since it allows techs to find seemingly insignificant problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and raise your cooling.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air within your home.

Use Less Energy This Summer with Watts Electric & AC

If you are looking to use less energy during warm weather, our Watts Electric & AC experts can provide assistance. Give us a call at 601-736-7362 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.