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

But what is the best temp, exactly? We go over advice from energy experts so you can select the best temp for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and exterior temperatures, your electrical expenses 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 seems too high, there are methods you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioner running frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—indoors. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give extra insulation and improved energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s because they cool with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot at first glance, try running a test for approximately a week. Get started by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually lower it while following the suggestions above. You may be shocked at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning on all day while your house is unoccupied. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t productive and usually results in a more expensive cooling expense.

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

If you need a handy resolution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for most families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, based on your PJ and blanket preference.

We advise trying an equivalent test over a week, setting your temperature higher and progressively decreasing it to pick the best temp for your house. On cool nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior solution than using the AC.

More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

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

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping cooling expenses down.
  2. Schedule annual air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating like it should and might help it run at greater efficiency. It could also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it enables pros to spot seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your electrical.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort problems in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air inside.

Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning

If you need to save more energy during warm weather, our Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning professionals can provide assistance. Give us a call at 760-784-9034 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling products.