You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a refreshing setting during the summer.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We review suggestions from energy specialists so you can select the best setting for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outside warmth, your electricity bills will be higher.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are ways you can keep your residence cool without having the AC going all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—inside. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give extra insulation and better energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too warm at first glance, try conducting a test for a week or so. Get started by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively decrease it while adhering to the advice above. You might be surprised at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner on all day while your residence is empty. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t productive and typically leads to a bigger air conditioner cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temperature controlled, 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 handy fix, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for the majority of 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 might be too chilly, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We suggest running a similar test over a week, setting your temperature higher and slowly lowering it to select the right temperature for your house. On pleasant nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better solution than operating the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy This Summer

There are additional approaches you can spend less money on energy bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping energy expenses low.
  2. Book regular air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and may help it run more efficiently. It can also help prolong its life span, since it allows technicians to spot little problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and increase your electricity.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the United States don’t have adequate 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 conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort problems in your house, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air indoors.

Save More Energy This Summer with Total Assurance AC & Heating

If you are looking to conserve more energy this summer, our Total Assurance AC & Heating specialists can help. Get in touch with us at 361-446-6925 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling options.