You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant setting during muggy weather.

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

Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Haines City.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outside temps, 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 sounds hot, there are approaches you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioner going constantly.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—inside. Some window solutions, 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 temps about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot initially, try doing a test for about a week. Get started by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily lower it while following the advice above. You may be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC going all day while your house is unoccupied. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and usually results in a higher air conditioner bill.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.

If you’re looking for a convenient remedy, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of getting 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 advises 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your clothing and blanket preference.

We advise trying a comparable test over a week, setting your temp higher and slowly turning it down to pinpoint the ideal setting 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 air conditioner.

More Methods to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are other ways you can conserve money on AC bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping AC expenses low.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating smoothly and might help it run more efficiently. It might also help prolong its life span, since it helps professionals to find small problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and increase your cooling.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 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 cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort troubles in your house, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air indoors.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co.

If you want to save more energy during hot weather, our Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. specialists can help. Get in touch with us at 863-216-2923 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling products.