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 ideal temp, exactly? We go over advice from energy professionals so you can find the best temp for your family.

Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Cape Girardeau.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your electricity expenses will be bigger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are ways you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioning on all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—indoors. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide more insulation and improved energy efficiency.

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

If 78 degrees still feels too warm initially, try conducting a trial for about a week. Start by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily lower it while adhering to the tips above. You may be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning running all day while your house is vacant. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t effective and typically leads to a higher cooling bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a convenient fix, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We advise following an equivalent test over a week, moving your temperature higher and gradually lowering it to determine the right temp for your house. On cool nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the air conditioning.

More Ways to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are added approaches you can save money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping utility bills small.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working smoothly and could help it operate at greater efficiency. It could also help prolong its life expectancy, since it allows pros to spot small problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too much, and drive up your electrical.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort troubles in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air indoors.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with Prestige Plumbing and Air

If you are looking to save more energy this summer, our Prestige Plumbing and Air professionals can help. Give us a call at 573-266-2048 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling products.