You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant setting during muggy weather.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We review advice from energy pros so you can determine the best temp for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and exterior temps, your cooling bills will be higher.

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 ways you can keep your residence cool without having the AC running frequently.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide extra insulation and improved energy savings.

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

If 78 degrees still feels too hot initially, try conducting a trial for about a week. Begin by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually decrease it while using the ideas above. You may be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning going all day while your home is vacant. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t effective and typically produces a bigger air conditioner cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temperature in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a hassle-free remedy, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We suggest following a comparable test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and gradually turning it down to find the best setting for your house. On mild nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior idea than operating the air conditioner.

More Ways to Save Energy During Warm Weather

There are other ways you can spend less money on AC bills throughout the summer.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping electrical expenses low.
  2. Book annual air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working smoothly and might help it operate at greater efficiency. It can also help prolong its life expectancy, since it allows pros to uncover little problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and raise your electrical.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort troubles in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air inside.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Ameri-Tec

If you are looking to save more energy during warm weather, our Ameri-Tec professionals can help. Give us a call at 717-844-9228 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling products.