You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant temp during summer weather.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We go over advice from energy pros so you can choose the best temperature for your residence.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Tucson.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outdoor warmth, your electricity costs will be larger.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are approaches you can keep your house pleasant without having the AC going all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—within your home. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer extra insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they refresh through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable at first glance, try conducting an experiment for about a week. Get started by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually lower it while adhering to the advice above. You could be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning going all day while your house is unoccupied. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t effective and often produces a more expensive electrical cost.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your settings controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a convenient remedy, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise using a comparable test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and progressively lowering it to determine the ideal temp for your residence. On pleasant nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the AC.
More Methods to Save Energy This Summer
There are added approaches you can conserve money on air conditioning bills throughout the summer.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electrical costs small.
- Schedule annual air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working properly and might help it work at greater efficiency. It might also help prolong its life expectancy, since it allows professionals to spot small troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and increase your energy.
- Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort issues in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air indoors.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Ambient Air
If you want to conserve more energy this summer, our Ambient Air experts can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 520-357-4912 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling options.