You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing setting during warm days.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy experts so you can choose the best temp for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outdoor temps, your utility bills will be higher.

These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are ways you can keep your home refreshing 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—within your home. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give added insulation and enhanced energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s since they refresh with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try running a test for approximately a week. Start by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively lower it while following the ideas above. You could be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC going all day while your residence is vacant. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t useful and often leads to a higher electrical cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temperature under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you go.

If you want a convenient solution, think about 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 automatically modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, due to your PJ and blanket preference.

We advise running a similar test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and steadily turning it down to select the best setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior option than using the air conditioner.

More Methods to Save Energy This Summer

There are additional approaches you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping utility bills low.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and might help it work more efficiently. It can also help prolong its life expectancy, since it enables technicians to pinpoint small troubles before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and increase your cooling.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the USA don’t have proper 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 separated over time can let 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 openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air indoors.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Verona HVAC

If you need to use less energy during warm weather, our Verona HVAC pros can assist you. Get in touch with us at 661-449-9765 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling options.