You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at the right temperature during summer weather.

But what is the best setting, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy pros so you can choose the best temperature for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your AC expenses 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 appears warm, there are ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioning going frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer extra insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s since they cool with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try running an experiment for a week or so. Start by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively decrease it while adhering to the tips above. You could be surprised at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC working all day while your house is vacant. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and often results in a higher electrical cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temperature under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you leave.

If you’re looking for a convenient fix, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

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

We recommend running a comparable test over a week, moving your temp higher and steadily decreasing it to select the right temperature for your house. On mild nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than running the air conditioning.

More Methods to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

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

  1. Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electrical costs down.
  2. Schedule annual air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating properly and might help it operate more efficiently. It could also help prolong its life span, since it allows pros to uncover seemingly insignificant troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too often, and drive up your cooling.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 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 major comfort troubles in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Anderson Heating & A/C

If you need to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Anderson Heating & A/C pros can assist you. Get in touch with us at 775-230-7628 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling options.