You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant setting during warm days.

But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We go over advice from energy pros so you can determine the best temp for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and exterior temperatures, your electricity bills will be greater.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds hot, there are methods you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioning running all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver 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 warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they cool through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable at first glance, try doing an experiment for approximately a week. Begin by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily turn it down while following the tips above. You could be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner on all day while your home is vacant. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t effective and usually produces a bigger air conditioner cost.

A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your settings in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.

If you’re looking for a convenient resolution, 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 out. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

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

We advise following an equivalent test over a week, setting your temp higher and slowly decreasing it to choose the best temp for your family. On mild nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than operating the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy This Summer

There are additional approaches you can spend less money on air conditioning bills throughout the summer.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping AC costs small.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and might help it operate more efficiently. It can also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it helps pros to find seemingly insignificant problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and raise your energy.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air indoors.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with AC Sales

If you need to use less energy during hot weather, our AC Sales experts can help. Give us a call at (337) 234-2345 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling options.