You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing setting during warm days.

But what is the best setting, exactly? We discuss advice from energy experts so you can determine the best temperature for your house.

Here’s what we recommend 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 provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outdoor temps, your cooling bills will be bigger.

These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are approaches you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner running constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cold air where it should be—inside. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver added insulation and enhanced energy savings.

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

If 78 degrees still seems too warm on the surface, try running a test for approximately a week. Begin by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while following the advice above. You could be astonished at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning running all day while your home is vacant. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t useful and usually leads to a bigger electricity cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temp in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a hassle-free resolution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

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

We advise running a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and slowly lowering it to choose the right temperature for your family. On mild nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the air conditioner.

More Ways to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

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

  1. Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electricity expenses low.
  2. Book regular air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating smoothly and may help it work more efficiently. It may also help prolong its life cycle, since it allows techs to discover seemingly insignificant problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and increase your cooling.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.

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

If you need to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Integrity AC & Heating LLC pros can provide assistance. Give us a call at 602-971-0567 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling options.