You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temp during muggy weather.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We review ideas from energy pros so you can choose the best temp for your residence.

Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Norco and St. Charles Parish.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outdoor warmth, your cooling expenses will be greater.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are methods you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioning running constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide added insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s because they refresh through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too warm initially, try doing an experiment for approximately a week. Start by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the ideas above. You might be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC on all day while your house is vacant. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and usually results in a more expensive cooling cost.

A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temperature under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you go.

If you need a hassle-free resolution, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise trying an equivalent test over a week, setting your temp higher and slowly turning it down to find the best temperature for your house. On mild nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than using the AC.

More Ways to Save Energy During Warm Weather

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

  1. Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electricity expenses small.
  2. Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running like it should and might help it operate at greater efficiency. It might also help prolong its life span, since it helps professionals to uncover small issues 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 turn on and off too frequently, and raise your cooling.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have proper 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 examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort troubles in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air inside.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with Mayeuxs AC & Heating

If you want to save more energy this summer, our Mayeuxs AC & Heating specialists can help. Give us a call at (985) 764-2426 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling options.