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

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We review suggestions from energy pros so you can select the best setting for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and outside warmth, your electricity costs will be bigger.

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

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

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—inside. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver extra insulation and improved energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s since they refresh through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try doing a trial for about a week. Start by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily lower it while adhering to the suggestions above. You may be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC on all day while your home is vacant. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t useful and typically produces a more expensive electricity bill.

A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temp in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a handy remedy, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, due to your PJ and blanket preference.

We advise trying a comparable test over a week, setting your temp higher and gradually lowering it to pick the best setting for your house. On mild nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than running the air conditioner.

More Methods to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

There are additional approaches you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping utility expenses small.
  2. Book regular air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working properly and could help it operate at better efficiency. It could also help extend its life span, since it enables pros to discover small issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and increase your electrical.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the United States 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 checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort problems in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air inside.

Save More Energy This Summer with Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co.

If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. pros can assist you. Give us a call at 863-216-2923 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling products.