You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a refreshing temp during hot days.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We discuss advice from energy professionals so you can determine the best setting for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your electricity expenses will be greater.

This is our advice 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 home pleasant without having the air conditioner running frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—within your home. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver added insulation and improved energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s since they cool through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too warm on the surface, try doing an experiment for a week or so. Get started by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while following the suggestions above. You may be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC on all day while your home is empty. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t useful and usually results in a more expensive electricity cost.

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

If you want a convenient solution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise trying an equivalent test over a week, setting your temp higher and slowly turning it down to locate the right temperature for your residence. On mild nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better option than running the AC.

More Approaches to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are other methods you can save money on air conditioning bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping cooling costs small.
  2. Set annual air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating smoothly and may help it operate at greater efficiency. It could also help lengthen its life span, since it allows techs to find seemingly insignificant issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your electrical.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air within your home.

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

If you are looking to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating specialists can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 314-262-4541 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling products.