You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temp during muggy weather.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We review recommendations from energy experts so you can find the best temp for your residence.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Tucson and Phoenix.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and outdoor temps, your cooling costs will be higher.
This is our advice 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 cool without having the air conditioner running all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide added insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s since they freshen with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot at first glance, try doing a trial for about a week. Get started by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily turn it down while using the ideas above. You might be astonished at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC working all day while your house is unoccupied. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t effective and usually leads to a bigger electricity bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your settings under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a handy remedy, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise following a comparable test over a week, setting your temp higher and steadily lowering it to select the ideal setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable option than operating the air conditioning.
More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are additional methods you can conserve money on utility bills throughout warm weather.
- Install 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 cooler while keeping electrical bills low.
- Set yearly air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running smoothly and could help it work at greater efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it helps professionals to find small issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and raise your energy.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort troubles in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air inside.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Desert Husky HVAC/R Services
If you are looking to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Desert Husky HVAC/R Services pros can help. Reach us at 520-416-5415 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling products.