You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temp during summer weather.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We go over advice from energy pros so you can choose the best temp for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your AC bills will be greater.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are ways you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioning going constantly.

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

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot on the surface, try doing an experiment for about a week. Begin by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while adhering to the tips above. You might be surprised at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner on all day while your residence is unoccupied. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t effective and usually produces a more expensive electricity cost.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temperature controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free fix, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. 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 perk of getting 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 may be unbearable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We suggest trying a comparable test over a week, moving your temp higher and gradually decreasing it to select the right temperature for your residence. On mild nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better option than using the air conditioner.

More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer

There are added approaches you can spend less money on AC bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping utility bills low.
  2. Schedule regular air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and may help it run more efficiently. It might also help prolong its life span, since it helps pros to uncover small problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too often, and increase your electricity.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air indoors.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with County Line Mechanical LLC

If you are looking 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 additional info about our energy-saving cooling products.