You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing setting during summer weather.

But what is the right temp, exactly? We go over ideas from energy specialists so you can select the best setting for your residence.

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

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 outside warmth, your utility costs will be larger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are ways you can keep your house pleasant without having the AC running frequently.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—inside. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver more insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too hot on the surface, try running a test for approximately a week. Get started by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually turn it down while using the advice above. You may be shocked at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning on all day while your residence is unoccupied. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t useful and usually leads to a higher cooling expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your settings under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a convenient resolution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of using 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 may be too uncomfortable for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, due to your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend following a similar test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and slowly decreasing it to determine the best temperature for your residence. On cool nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the AC.

More Methods to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are added approaches you can save money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping AC bills down.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running like it should and might help it run more efficiently. It can also help extend its life expectancy, since it enables professionals to uncover little problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and raise your energy.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort troubles in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air within your home.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with I-Deal HVAC

If you want to conserve more energy during warm weather, our I-Deal HVAC experts can help. Get in touch with us at 505-445-1250 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.