You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temp during summer weather.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We go over advice from energy professionals so you can choose the best setting for your family.

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 placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outside warmth, your utility bills will be larger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are approaches you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioning running all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cold air where it should be—within your home. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give extra insulation and improved energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot on the surface, try conducting a trial for about a week. Get started by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually lower it while following the tips above. You might be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

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

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and often produces a higher AC bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temp in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a hassle-free fix, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that may be too cold, due to your PJ and blanket preference.

We recommend following a comparable test over a week, moving your temp higher and progressively turning it down to choose the ideal temp for your house. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

There are other approaches you can conserve money on utility bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping AC bills small.
  2. Set regular air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating properly and may help it operate more efficiently. It might also help lengthen its life span, since it enables professionals to pinpoint little problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and raise your electrical.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort troubles in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air indoors.

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

If you want to save more energy during hot weather, our Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating specialists can assist you. Reach us at 314-834-1114 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling products.