You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at the right temperature during warm days.

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

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outdoor warmth, your electrical expenses will be greater.

These are our suggestions 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 refreshing without having the AC on all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give added insulation and improved energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable at first glance, try conducting an experiment for about a week. Begin by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively decrease it while adhering to the ideas above. You could be astonished at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC running all day while your residence is unoccupied. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and usually leads to a higher cooling cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temperature in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a handy remedy, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.

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

We advise running an equivalent test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and gradually turning it down to locate the best temp for your family. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better option than using the air conditioning.

More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer

There are other ways you can spend less money on energy bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping cooling expenses small.
  2. Set regular air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running properly and could help it run at better efficiency. It could also help prolong its life expectancy, since it helps technicians to pinpoint seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too much, and drive up your electrical.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort issues in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air indoors.

Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with AC Sales

If you want to conserve more energy during warm weather, our AC Sales experts can provide assistance. Give us a call at (337) 234-2345 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling options.