You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant temp during muggy weather.

But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We review suggestions from energy experts so you can select the best setting for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outdoor temps, your cooling 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 warm, there are approaches you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioning running frequently.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver added insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

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

If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try conducting an experiment for a week or so. Get started by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively decrease it while adhering to the suggestions above. You may be amazed at how cool 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 residence is empty. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t useful and usually leads to a higher air conditioner bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a hassle-free fix, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.

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

We suggest trying an equivalent test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and slowly lowering it to select the best setting for your house. On mild nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior solution than running the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Save Energy This Summer

There are extra approaches you can save money on AC bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping utility bills low.
  2. Book annual air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working like it should and may help it work at greater efficiency. It could also help prolong its life span, since it enables pros to pinpoint little troubles before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and drive up your electricity.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort issues in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air within your home.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning

If you need to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning pros can help. Get in touch with us at 432-237-0168 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.