You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at the right temp during summer weather.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy professionals so you can determine the best setting for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outdoor temperatures, your utility expenses 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 warm, there are approaches you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioner running all the time.

Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—inside. Some window treatments, 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 settings about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s because they refresh by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too warm initially, try doing a trial for approximately a week. Begin by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually 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 reason to keep the air conditioner on all day while your residence is empty. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t effective and usually produces a more expensive cooling bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your settings under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a hassle-free solution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for many families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend trying a similar test over a week, putting your temperature higher and slowly decreasing it to determine the ideal temperature for your house. On mild nights, you might 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 extra ways you can save money on AC bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping AC expenses down.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running smoothly and might help it work at greater efficiency. It may also help prolong its life span, since it allows techs to find seemingly insignificant issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and increase your utility.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort troubles in your house, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air within your home.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Speed Air

If you are looking to save more energy this summer, our Speed Air professionals can assist you. Give us a call at 800-941-0247 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.