You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a refreshing setting during summer weather.

But what is the best setting, exactly? We discuss advice from energy experts so you can find the best temp for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your AC bills 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 warm, there are methods you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioner running all the time.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide more insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they freshen with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too hot at first glance, try conducting a test for about a week. Begin by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively decrease it while using the suggestions above. You may be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC on all day while your house is vacant. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and typically results in a more expensive cooling cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temperature in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.

If you’re looking for a handy resolution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

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

We advise following a similar test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and progressively decreasing it to find the right setting for your house. On cool nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the AC.

More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are extra ways you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping utility expenses low.
  2. Set regular air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating properly and might help it operate at greater efficiency. It might also help extend its life span, since it helps techs to spot seemingly insignificant problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and raise your energy.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort troubles in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air within your home.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning

If you want to conserve more energy this summer, our 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 949-762-8644 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.