You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a pleasant temperature during muggy weather.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We review suggestions from energy professionals so you can choose the best setting 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 families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and exterior warmth, your cooling costs will be bigger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems warm, there are methods you can keep your residence refreshing without having the AC running all the time.

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

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s because they refresh through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable at first glance, try running a trial for a week or so. Start by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually decrease it while using the ideas above. You may be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC going all day while your house is vacant. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t useful and usually produces a more expensive electricity bill.

A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a handy resolution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.

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

We suggest trying a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and gradually lowering it to pick the right setting for your residence. On cool nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better solution than using the air conditioning.

More Ways to Save Energy This Summer

There are other ways you can save money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping electrical expenses small.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating properly and might help it run at better efficiency. It might also help extend its life cycle, since it helps professionals to uncover seemingly insignificant problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too frequently, and drive up your utility.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort troubles in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.

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

If you want to use less energy during warm weather, our Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating specialists can assist you. Reach us at 314-310-0363 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.