You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant temp during hot days.

But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy experts so you can choose the best temp for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and exterior temperatures, your utility 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 seems hot, there are approaches you can keep your residence cool without having the AC running constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—inside. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give extra insulation and better energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too hot initially, try conducting a trial for about a week. Get started by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually decrease it while using the ideas above. You may be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

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

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t productive and typically produces a bigger cooling cost.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a hassle-free remedy, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, due to your PJ and blanket preference.

We advise running a similar test over a week, setting your temp higher and slowly turning it down to determine the ideal temp for your family. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior idea than operating the AC.

More Approaches to Save Energy During Warm Weather

There are added ways you can conserve money on utility bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping electrical costs down.
  2. Set annual air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running like it should and could help it run at greater efficiency. It could also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it helps professionals to pinpoint seemingly insignificant issues before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too much, and drive up your energy.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many 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 seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air inside.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc.

If you want to use less energy this summer, our West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. experts can help. Get in touch with us at 614-879-9091 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.