You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at the right temp during hot days.

But what is the best temp, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy professionals so you can select the best setting for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outdoor temperatures, your AC expenses will be bigger.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are methods you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioner on all the time.

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

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they cool by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too hot at first glance, try conducting a test for approximately a week. Get started by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually turn it down while adhering to the suggestions above. You might be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC going all day while your home is vacant. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t effective and usually produces a more expensive AC expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your settings controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a handy solution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.

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

We advise running a comparable test over a week, moving your temperature higher and steadily lowering it to pinpoint the best setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable option than operating the air conditioner.

More Methods to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are other approaches you can conserve money on air conditioning bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping electrical costs low.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating like it should and may help it operate at greater efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it enables technicians to uncover seemingly insignificant issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and drive up your electricity.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort issues in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air within your home.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Ameri-Tec

If you want to use less energy this summer, our Ameri-Tec specialists can help. Reach us at 717-844-9228 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.