You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at the right temp during muggy weather.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We go over advice from energy pros so you can find the best temp for your residence.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Phoenix.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and exterior temps, your electricity bills 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 warm, there are approaches you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioner on frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—indoors. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver more insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm initially, try running a trial for a week or so. Start by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively turn it down while following the tips above. You might be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC on all day while your home is vacant. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity 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 useful and often leads to a higher electrical expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temperature in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.
If you need a convenient solution, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We recommend running a comparable test over a week, putting your temperature higher and progressively turning it down to pinpoint the right temperature for your family. On mild nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior idea than running the AC.
More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are extra methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping utility costs down.
- Schedule regular air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating properly and might help it run at better efficiency. It could also help prolong its life span, since it allows professionals to discover little troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too often, and increase your utility.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort troubles in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Integrity AC & Heating LLC
If you want to save more energy during warm weather, our Integrity AC & Heating LLC specialists can help. Get in touch with us at 602-971-0567 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.
