You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at the right setting during summer weather.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We go over advice from energy experts so you can choose the best temp for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outdoor temps, your electricity bills 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 sounds hot, there are approaches you can keep your home cool without having the AC going frequently.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—within your home. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver more insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

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

If 78 degrees still feels too warm at first glance, try doing an experiment for about a week. Get started by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily decrease it while following the advice above. You may be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC going all day while your house is vacant. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and usually produces a higher AC cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your settings in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you go.

If you want a handy solution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your PJ and blanket preference.

We advise trying a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and slowly lowering it to find the right temperature for your residence. On mild nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the air conditioner.

More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are other methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping electricity costs low.
  2. Book regular air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating like it should and might help it work at better efficiency. It might also help prolong its life span, since it helps technicians to uncover little troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and drive up your energy.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort troubles in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air within your home.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc

If you are looking to conserve more energy this summer, our Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc experts can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 662-281-1231 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling options.