You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temperature during the summer.

But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy pros so you can find the best temperature for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outdoor warmth, your electrical bills will be higher.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems warm, there are ways you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioner going all the time.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide more insulation and improved energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try running an experiment for a week or so. Start by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily turn it down while using the ideas above. You might be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning on all day while your home is empty. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a higher AC bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temperature in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you go.

If you need a hassle-free resolution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the biggest 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 regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, due to your clothing and blanket preference.

We advise running an equivalent test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and steadily turning it down to find the right temp for your family. On cool nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better option than using the air conditioner.

More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

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

  1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping energy bills small.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating like it should and might help it run at better efficiency. It could also help lengthen its life span, since it allows pros to find seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and raise your electricity.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air within your home.

Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Olde Towne Heating & Air

If you want to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Olde Towne Heating & Air specialists can assist you. Give us a call at 843-485-0967 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling products.