You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at the right temp during hot days.

But what is the best setting, exactly? We review suggestions from energy professionals so you can choose the best temperature for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and exterior warmth, your electrical bills will be larger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are approaches you can keep your residence pleasant without having the AC on all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—inside. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer added insulation and improved energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too warm at first glance, try running an experiment for approximately a week. Get started by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually lower it while adhering to the tips above. You might be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner working all day while your residence is vacant. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 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 residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and often produces a bigger cooling cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temperature in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a handy remedy, think about getting 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? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

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

We suggest trying a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and gradually decreasing it to find the ideal setting for your family. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than running the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Save Energy During Warm Weather

There are other approaches you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping AC costs down.
  2. Schedule regular air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running like it should and might help it work at better efficiency. It can also help extend its life span, since it allows technicians to find little troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your electrical.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort issues in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air indoors.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Silver Fox Cooling & Heating

If you are looking to save more energy this summer, our Silver Fox Cooling & Heating professionals can assist you. Give us a call at 949-997-2201 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling options.