You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a refreshing temp during warm days.

But what is the best temp, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy specialists so you can choose the best temperature for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your electrical expenses 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 refreshing without having the AC running all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cool air where it should be—indoors. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer extra insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they cool with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try doing an experiment for about a week. Get started by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually decrease it while following the suggestions above. You might be surprised at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

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

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t useful and usually leads to a more expensive electricity expense.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temperature in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a convenient resolution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

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

We suggest running a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and slowly turning it down to pick the right temp for your residence. On mild nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than operating the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are added ways you can save money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping utility costs down.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and could help it operate more efficiently. It may also help lengthen its life span, since it enables techs to discover small problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too often, and drive up your electrical.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort issues in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air inside.

Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Dearing's Service & Solutions

If you need to use less energy this summer, our Dearing's Service & Solutions pros can assist you. Reach us at 812-956-0349 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling options.