You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant temperature during hot days.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy pros so you can find the best temperature for your residence.

Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Milledgeville and Middle Georgia.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outdoor warmth, your cooling costs 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 sounds hot, there are approaches you can keep your house refreshing without having the AC running constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer extra insulation and better energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try running a test for about a week. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually lower it while using the advice above. You may be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning on all day while your house is empty. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t useful and often leads to a higher AC cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temp controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.

If you’re looking for a convenient resolution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your clothing and blanket preference.

We recommend using a similar test over a week, putting your temperature higher and steadily turning it down to find the ideal setting for your residence. On mild nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior solution than using the AC.

More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra ways you can save money on utility bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Install 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 more comfortable while keeping electricity expenses low.
  2. Schedule regular air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working like it should and could help it operate at better efficiency. It could also help lengthen its life span, since it allows technicians to find little troubles before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Replace 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 much, and drive up your energy.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort troubles in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air within your home.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Air Concepts of Middle Georgia

If you are looking to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Air Concepts of Middle Georgia experts can provide assistance. Give us a call at 478-200-5689 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.