You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a pleasant temp during warm days.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We review recommendations from energy experts so you can find the best setting for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outside temps, your electricity expenses will be larger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are methods you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioning running all the time.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide extra insulation and improved energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they freshen with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable on the surface, try conducting a test for approximately a week. Begin by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively turn it down while following the suggestions above. You might be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner going all day while your house is unoccupied. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t productive and usually produces a bigger air conditioner bill.

A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temp in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a convenient solution, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit 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 advises 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.

We suggest using a comparable test over a week, setting your temperature higher and steadily turning it down to pick the best temperature for your house. On cool nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable option than operating the AC.

More Methods to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are added methods you can save money on AC bills throughout the summer.

  1. Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping AC expenses low.
  2. Set regular air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and could help it operate at better efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life cycle, since it allows professionals to pinpoint little troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too often, and raise your energy.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air within your home.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Tru Air Systems LLC

If you want to save more energy during hot weather, our Tru Air Systems LLC experts can provide assistance. Give us a call at 505-226-3525 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.