You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at the right temp during warm days.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We go over advice from energy specialists so you can choose the best temperature for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outdoor temps, your electrical expenses 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 house cool without having the air conditioner on constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide added insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try running a trial for about a week. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the tips above. You might be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner on all day while your house is vacant. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t productive and usually produces a bigger cooling expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temperature in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you go.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free remedy, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.

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

We recommend trying a similar test over a week, moving your temperature higher and progressively decreasing it to select the right temperature for your family. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior idea than using the AC.

More Methods to Save Energy During Warm Weather

There are extra approaches you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient cooling 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 electricity costs down.
  2. Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working smoothly and might help it work at greater efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it helps professionals to spot little troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and drive up your electricity.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort issues in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air inside.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with Tri County Climate Control LLC

If you are looking to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Tri County Climate Control LLC pros can help. Reach us at 541-238-2797 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.