You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing temperature during hot days.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy pros so you can find the best temp for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and outdoor warmth, your electrical expenses will be greater.

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 methods you can keep your residence refreshing without having the AC running constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—within your home. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide added insulation and improved energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s since they refresh through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too hot initially, try doing a test for approximately a week. Start by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively lower it while following the suggestions above. You may be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning working all day while your residence is unoccupied. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and often leads to a more expensive cooling cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temp in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you go.

If you’re looking for a handy fix, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 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 thermostat higher and progressively turning it down to determine the ideal temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better solution than using the AC.

More Methods to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

There are additional ways you can spend less money on air conditioning bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping utility costs low.
  2. Book regular air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating properly and could help it run at better efficiency. It might also help prolong its life cycle, since it helps pros to find seemingly insignificant troubles before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too often, and increase your electrical.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the U.S. 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”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort problems in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air indoors.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Integrity AC & Heating LLC

If you want to use less energy during warm weather, our Integrity AC & Heating LLC specialists can assist you. Give us a call at 602-971-0567 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling products.