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

But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We discuss advice from energy professionals so you can determine the best temperature for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your cooling expenses will be greater.

These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds hot, there are methods you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioning going constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cold air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give more insulation and improved energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s because they refresh with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too warm at first glance, try conducting a test for approximately a week. Get started by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually lower it while using the tips above. You could be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner going all day while your house is vacant. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and typically results in a higher AC expense.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your settings controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a hassle-free resolution, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.

We advise trying a similar test over a week, setting your temperature higher and steadily lowering it to find the ideal setting for your family. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than running the air conditioning.

More Methods to Save Energy During Warm Weather

There are other methods you can save money on energy bills throughout the summer.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electricity expenses small.
  2. Schedule annual air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating properly and could help it operate more efficiently. It might also help extend its life cycle, since it enables pros to spot small problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and raise your energy.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort problems in your house, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air indoors.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Knoechel Heating

If you need to save more energy during warm weather, our Knoechel Heating professionals can assist you. Give us a call at 724-425-5852 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling products.