You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at the right temp during the summer.

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

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outdoor temperatures, your electricity expenses 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 appears too high, there are ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioning going frequently.

Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give more insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too warm initially, try doing an experiment for about a week. Start by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually lower it while following the advice above. You may be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner going all day while your house is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t productive and often results in a bigger electricity bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a hassle-free solution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that may be too cool, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We recommend using a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and progressively lowering it to find the best temperature for your house. On cool nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better option than operating the AC.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are other ways you can save money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping AC costs down.
  2. Book regular air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working smoothly and might help it work at greater efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life span, since it allows professionals to pinpoint small issues before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and increase your energy.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the United States don’t have proper 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 checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort troubles in your residence, including 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 During Hot Weather with Tri County Climate Control LLC

If you need to use less energy this summer, our Tri County Climate Control LLC pros can assist you. Get in touch with us at 541-546-1393 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling options.