You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at the right temperature during muggy weather.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We review ideas from energy experts so you can find the best temperature for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and exterior temps, your electrical expenses will be larger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are ways you can keep your residence refreshing without having the AC going constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give extra insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they refresh with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too hot at first glance, try running an experiment for about a week. Begin by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively lower it while following the advice above. You might be surprised at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning working all day while your residence is vacant. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t effective and usually produces a higher AC bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temp under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a handy resolution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.

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

We suggest trying an equivalent test over a week, putting your temperature higher and steadily decreasing it to determine the right setting for your family. On cool nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better solution than operating the AC.

More Methods to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra methods you can save money on energy bills throughout the summer.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping AC bills small.
  2. Book annual air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating properly and could help it run at greater efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life cycle, since it helps technicians to pinpoint little troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty 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. Almost 90% of residences in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort problems in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air within your home.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning

If you want to save more energy during warm weather, our 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning specialists can provide assistance. Reach us at 949-204-0859 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling options.