You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant temperature during warm days.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy specialists so you can find the best temperature for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and exterior temperatures, your utility bills will be larger.

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 ways you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioning running frequently.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—inside. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver added insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s because they cool by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable initially, try conducting an experiment for a week or so. Get started by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually decrease it while adhering to the advice above. You may be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner going all day while your residence is unoccupied. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t productive and typically results in a higher AC bill.

A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temperature under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.

If you want a convenient resolution, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of having 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 recommends 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We suggest following a comparable test over a week, moving your temp higher and slowly turning it down to find the ideal temp for your residence. On pleasant nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior option than using the AC.

More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are additional approaches you can spend less money on utility bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping cooling costs down.
  2. Book annual air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working like it should and may help it work at better efficiency. It could also help extend its life span, since it helps techs to find small issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and raise your energy.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air inside.

Save More Energy This Summer with Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc.

If you need to use less energy this summer, our Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. specialists can help. Give us a call at 918-682-8238 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling options.