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

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

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

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 warmth, your utility costs will be larger.

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 approaches you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioning going constantly.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—inside. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give extra insulation and better energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot at first glance, try doing an experiment for about a week. Begin by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily turn it down while following the ideas above. You might be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning on all day while your house is unoccupied. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t useful and usually produces a more expensive AC bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your settings controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a convenient resolution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for many 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 may be too chilly, due to your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise following an equivalent test over a week, setting your temp higher and slowly lowering it to find the best temp for your house. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the air conditioning.

More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are extra methods you can save money on energy bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping AC expenses down.
  2. Set regular air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working smoothly and could help it run more efficiently. It can also help lengthen its life cycle, since it allows techs to find small problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and increase your cooling.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort problems in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air within your home.

Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating

If you need to conserve more energy this summer, our Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating professionals can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 314-262-4541 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.