You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant temp during the summer.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We go over advice from energy specialists so you can determine the best temperature for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and outside temps, your electrical 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 appears warm, there are ways you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioner running frequently.

Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cold air where it should be—within your home. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer added insulation and improved energy efficiency.

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

If 78 degrees still appears too hot at first glance, try doing a trial for a week or so. Get started by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively decrease it while following the advice above. You may be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC working all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t productive and typically produces a higher air conditioner bill.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temp controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a handy fix, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that might be too cold, due to your clothing and blanket preference.

We suggest following a similar test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and progressively decreasing it to determine the best setting for your residence. On cool nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better option than running the AC.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are other ways you can save money on air conditioning bills throughout the summer.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping electricity expenses down.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating smoothly and may help it operate at greater efficiency. It may also help prolong its life span, since it allows professionals to pinpoint seemingly insignificant problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and increase your electrical.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort troubles in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air indoors.

Use Less Energy This Summer with All Solutions Heating & Cooling

If you are looking to save more energy during warm weather, our All Solutions Heating & Cooling specialists can assist you. Give us a call at 971-414-2639 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling products.