You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant setting during hot days.

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

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and outside temperatures, your AC costs 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 seems too high, there are ways you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioning going frequently.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—indoors. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give extra insulation and better energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable at first glance, try running a trial for a week or so. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually decrease it while using the ideas above. You could be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning working all day while your house is unoccupied. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t productive and often produces a higher cooling cost.

A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your settings in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you go.

If you need a handy remedy, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit 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 recommends 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, due to your clothing and blanket preference.

We advise running a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and slowly turning it down to pick the best temp for your family. On pleasant nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior option than using the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are other ways you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping utility costs small.
  2. Set annual air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and could help it work more efficiently. It might also help extend its life expectancy, since it enables techs to uncover small problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too often, and increase your electrical.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Knoechel Heating

If you want to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Knoechel Heating pros can help. Get in touch with us at 724-425-5852 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.