You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a pleasant temperature during warm days.

But what is the best temp, exactly? We discuss advice from energy professionals so you can select the best setting for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outside warmth, 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 seems hot, there are approaches you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioning on all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—inside. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide added insulation and enhanced energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s since they freshen through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too hot at first glance, try conducting a trial for about a week. Start by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually lower it while adhering to the advice above. You might be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning running all day while your home is vacant. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t productive and typically leads to a more expensive cooling expense.

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

If you need a handy resolution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of getting 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 suggests 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, based on your clothing and blanket preference.

We advise trying a comparable test over a week, setting your temperature higher and progressively turning it down to determine the ideal setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better option than using the air conditioning.

More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are added methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping electricity bills low.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working smoothly and might help it run more efficiently. It might also help extend its life cycle, since it allows techs to spot seemingly insignificant problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, 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 proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort issues in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air within your home.

Save More Energy This Summer with Farris Heating & Air

If you need to conserve more energy this summer, our Farris Heating & Air pros can assist you. Get in touch with us at 918-333-0376 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.