You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at the right temp during muggy weather.

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

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

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 inside and exterior temperatures, your electrical bills will be greater.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are ways you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioner running frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give added insulation and enhanced energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s since they cool by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too hot initially, try conducting an experiment for a week or so. Start by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually decrease it while following the advice above. You may be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning on all day while your residence is unoccupied. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t effective and usually leads to a more expensive electricity cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your settings under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free solution, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.

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

We recommend following a similar test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and slowly turning it down to determine the ideal setting for your family. On mild nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better solution than operating the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

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

  1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping electricity costs small.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working properly and could help it run more efficiently. It can also help lengthen its life cycle, since it allows techs to pinpoint small issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and drive up your energy.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort problems in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air inside.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Marios Air Conditioning

If you are looking to use less energy this summer, our Marios Air Conditioning experts can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 760-314-4766 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling products.