You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant temp during muggy weather.

But what is the best temp, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy specialists so you can select the best temperature for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outside temps, your electrical bills will be bigger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems warm, there are approaches you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioning running constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cool air where it should be—indoors. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide extra insulation and improved energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they cool through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable on the surface, try conducting a trial for about a week. Begin by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while using the advice above. You might be amazed at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner going all day while your residence is vacant. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a bigger air conditioner expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temperature in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a convenient fix, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for many families. Most 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 chilly, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.

We advise trying a similar test over a week, moving your temperature higher and slowly decreasing it to pick the right temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than running the AC.

More Methods to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are added ways you can conserve money on utility bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping electrical bills small.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating like it should and might help it run more efficiently. It can also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it helps pros to find seemingly insignificant troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too much, and increase your electrical.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort issues in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc.

If you are looking to use less energy during warm weather, our Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. experts can assist you. Get in touch with us at 918-682-8238 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling options.