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

But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy specialists so you can find the best temperature for your loved ones.

Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Ballwin and St. Charles.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and exterior warmth, your electricity expenses will be higher.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems warm, there are ways you can keep your house cool without having the AC on frequently.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide extra insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try conducting a test for about a week. Begin by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually decrease it while following the tips above. You may be surprised at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

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

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a bigger electricity expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temperature under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you go.

If you need a hassle-free remedy, consider 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 instinctively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We advise using a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and gradually lowering it to select the ideal setting for your residence. On cool nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better option than using the air conditioning.

More Methods to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

There are added approaches you can conserve money on air conditioning bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping AC costs low.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running like it should and might help it work more efficiently. It may also help extend its life span, since it allows technicians to pinpoint seemingly insignificant troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and increase your cooling.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Air Alliance Team

If you need to save more energy during warm weather, our Air Alliance Team experts can help. Give us a call at 636-206-4250 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling products.