You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant setting during warm days.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We go over advice from energy professionals so you can determine the best temperature for your family.

Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Sacramento.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and outdoor warmth, your electricity costs 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 seems hot, there are methods you can keep your home cool without having the AC running constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—within your home. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver extra insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too warm at first glance, try conducting a trial for approximately a week. Begin by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively turn it down while following the tips above. You might be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

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

When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and typically results in a higher electrical bill.

A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temp controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a hassle-free remedy, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of using 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 may be unpleasant for most families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We suggest following a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and slowly lowering it to determine the best temp for your house. On cool nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior solution than operating the air conditioning.

More Methods to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are additional ways you can save money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping energy bills small.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating properly and might help it work at greater efficiency. It might also help extend its life cycle, since it enables techs to pinpoint small troubles before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and raise your utility.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the U.S. 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 checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort problems in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air within your home.

Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Bishop’s HVAC

If you need to use less energy during warm weather, our Bishop’s HVAC pros can help. Reach us at 916-591-6889 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling products.