You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing setting during summer weather.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We review recommendations from energy professionals so you can find the best temperature for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outdoor temperatures, your AC expenses 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 appears warm, there are ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioning on all the time.

Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—within your home. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide extra insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

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

If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try conducting a test for a week or so. Get started by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily lower it while following the tips above. You could be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner running all day while your residence is vacant. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t effective and usually produces a bigger AC cost.

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

If you need a convenient fix, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

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

We recommend trying a similar test over a week, moving your temperature higher and slowly turning it down to find the right temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the AC.

More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer

There are extra approaches you can conserve money on AC 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 become older. A new air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electrical bills low.
  2. Book annual air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working properly and could help it operate more efficiently. It might also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it helps professionals to find seemingly insignificant troubles before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and increase your electrical.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air indoors.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating

If you want to save more energy this summer, our Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating specialists can provide assistance. Give us a call at 314-262-4541 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling options.