You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at the right temp during hot days.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We review suggestions from energy professionals so you can select the best setting for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and exterior temperatures, your utility 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 sounds too high, there are approaches you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioning on constantly.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer added insulation and improved energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they cool with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable at first glance, try doing a trial for about a week. Begin by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually decrease it while using the advice above. You may be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC going all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t useful and often produces a higher electricity cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.

If you want a convenient resolution, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of getting 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 could be unbearable for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your PJ and blanket preference.

We advise running an equivalent test over a week, setting your temperature higher and gradually turning it down to determine the right setting for your house. On mild nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior solution than using the air conditioning.

More Methods to Save Energy During Warm Weather

There are other ways you can conserve money on AC bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electricity expenses down.
  2. Schedule annual air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and could help it operate at greater efficiency. It might also help extend its life span, since it allows technicians to find small issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too often, and drive up your cooling.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort troubles in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air indoors.

Use Less Energy This Summer with County Line Mechanical LLC

If you need to conserve more energy during warm weather, our County Line Mechanical LLC professionals can provide assistance. Give us a call at 717-216-0846 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling options.