You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temp during warm days.

But what is the right temp, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy specialists 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 Odessa.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outside temperatures, 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 appears hot, there are methods you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioning running constantly.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—inside. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver extra insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s since they freshen through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot at first glance, try conducting a test for about a week. Begin by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually lower it while using the advice above. You could be shocked at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC on all day while your house is vacant. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a bigger electrical bill.

A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your settings controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a convenient remedy, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of having 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 recommends 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We recommend following a comparable test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and progressively lowering it to locate the ideal temp for your residence. On mild nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the AC.

More Ways to Save Energy During Warm Weather

There are additional methods you can save money on energy bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping AC costs small.
  2. Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running properly and might help it operate at better efficiency. It can also help prolong its life cycle, since it enables pros to discover small issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and increase your utility.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort issues in your house, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air indoors.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning

If you want to conserve more energy this summer, our Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning experts can assist you. Get in touch with us at 432-237-0168 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.