The Best Temperature For Your Thermostat During the Summer

Summers in Texas can get really hot (really, really hot). Your saving grace is probably your air conditioner — and when the summer sun heats up, you crank the AC. However, there’s a delicate balance between your family’s comfort and running your energy bill through the roof. The lower you set your thermostat, the more energy you are using and paying for. We have the settings that will help you to keep your home feeling icy cold while allowing you to manage your summer cooling costs.

When You’re at Home

To stay comfortable and save money while you’re relaxing at home, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78° F. Setting your thermostat to this temperature will allow you to stay cool and avoid overusing your air conditioner and your electricity. If you find you need additional relief, a dehumidifier will help relieve the hot, heavy and humid feeling in your home, and allow cool air to circulate.

When You’re Away

Keeping your home warmer while you’re away can help save a great deal of money. By setting your thermostat 10° F higher while at work, school, or out of the home for more than two hours can save you as much as 10 percent on cooling costs. In order to save money and avoid overusing your AC, raise your thermostat.

Maximizing Your Cooling Efforts

You can help your AC run more efficiently when cooling your home by preventing warm air from entering your home or letting cool air escape.

To keep your home comfortable and efficient, use these cooling tips:

• Hang window treatments that block the sun’s rays from entering your windows.

• Install weatherstripping on doors and windows to keep your home sealed.

• Utilize ceiling fans to distribute cool air.

• Replace older cooling units with new energy-efficient models.

• Perform routine AC tune-ups and maintenance calls.

• Limit the use of appliances that generate heat, such as your oven and stove.

Using a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats are easy to read, program, and customize the way you cool your home. Not only are they convenient, but using a smart thermostat allows you to save energy by setting active and away temperature times for cooling system. You can easily change these settings from your smartphone anywhere, at any time. Additionally, if you adjust your thermostat at certain times of the day, every day, your thermostat will eventually catch on. Over time, the system learns your habits and it will adjust itself for you!

Rescue Air and Plumbing proudly offers a wide range of smart thermostats, including the Nest Learning Thermostat, and Lennox Comfort Controls.