You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at the right setting during the summer.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy professionals so you can select the best setting for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and exterior temps, your utility bills will be greater.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are approaches you can keep your home cool without having the AC running constantly.

Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—within your home. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide more insulation and improved energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s because they cool by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too warm at first glance, try conducting a test for a week or so. Begin by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively lower it while using the advice above. You might be shocked at how cool 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 house is vacant. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and typically results in a higher AC expense.

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

If you need a convenient solution, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.

We suggest running an equivalent test over a week, putting your temp higher and slowly turning it down to determine the right temperature for your house. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the air conditioner.

More Methods to Save Energy This Summer

There are other methods you can spend less money on utility bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping electricity costs low.
  2. Set regular air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and might help it operate at better efficiency. It could also help extend its life cycle, since it helps professionals to pinpoint seemingly insignificant troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too much, and raise your utility.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort issues in your house, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.

Use Less Energy This Summer with Miller Climate Control LLC

If you are looking to conserve more energy this summer, our Miller Climate Control LLC professionals can assist you. Get in touch with us at 512-937-2001 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.