You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant setting during summer weather.

But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy professionals so you can select the best temp for your house.

Here’s what we recommend 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 most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and exterior warmth, your electrical 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 seems too high, there are methods you can keep your home refreshing without having the AC on frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—indoors. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer more insulation and enhanced energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too hot at first glance, try doing a trial for a week or so. Get started by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the suggestions above. You could be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning working all day while your house is empty. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a more expensive cooling expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your settings controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you leave.

If you’re looking for a convenient remedy, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, due to your PJ and blanket preference.

We suggest trying an equivalent test over a week, moving your temp higher and slowly decreasing it to find the right temp for your residence. On cool nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable option than using the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are other approaches you can conserve money on AC bills throughout the summer.

  1. Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping cooling expenses down.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating like it should and may help it operate more efficiently. It may also help lengthen its life span, since it enables pros to find small issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and raise your electricity.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses 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 seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort problems in your house, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air indoors.

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

If you need to use less energy during warm weather, our Anderson Heating & A/C professionals can help. Give us a call at 775-854-9700 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling options.