You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing setting during the summer.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy experts so you can select the best setting for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outside warmth, your electricity bills will be higher.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are ways you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner going all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—within your home. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide more insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try conducting a test for a week or so. Start by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively decrease it while using the ideas above. You may be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner going all day while your house is empty. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t useful and usually leads to a bigger air conditioner cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temperature controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a handy solution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.

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

We advise using an equivalent test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and slowly decreasing it to pinpoint the best temperature for your family. On cool nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable option than running the air conditioner.

More Ways to Save Energy During Warm Weather

There are added ways you can save money on energy bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping cooling bills down.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and may help it run at greater efficiency. It could also help extend its life expectancy, since it allows pros to uncover small troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and increase your utility.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort problems in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air inside.

Use Less Energy This Summer with Tri County Climate Control LLC

If you are looking to save more energy during warm weather, our Tri County Climate Control LLC professionals can help. Give us a call at 541-238-2797 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.