You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at the right temperature during the summer.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy pros so you can choose the best setting for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outdoor warmth, your electricity expenses 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 hot, there are ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioning going all the time.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—indoors. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give more insulation and better energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s because they cool with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too warm on the surface, try conducting a test for approximately a week. Begin by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually decrease it while using the ideas above. You could be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC on all day while your home is unoccupied. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and often produces a more expensive electrical bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temperature in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.

If you’re looking for a handy remedy, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend using an equivalent test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and progressively turning it down to locate the best setting for your family. On mild nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior idea than operating the air conditioner.

More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are added approaches you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping energy expenses down.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working smoothly and may help it operate at better efficiency. It may also help extend its life expectancy, since it allows techs to pinpoint little issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too much, and drive up your utility.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cool 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 should be by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air indoors.

Use Less Energy This Summer with Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning

If you want to use less energy this summer, our Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning experts can help. Get in touch with us at 360-255-5857 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling products.