You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temp during the summer.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We review advice from energy pros so you can choose the best temperature for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outdoor warmth, your cooling 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 hot, there are ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioning going constantly.

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

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s since they cool through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too hot at first glance, try conducting a trial for a week or so. Start by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while following the suggestions above. You might be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning working all day while your residence is empty. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a more expensive cooling bill.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temp controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you go.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free resolution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that may be too chilly, due to your PJ and blanket preference.

We suggest running a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and steadily lowering it to find the ideal temp for your family. On pleasant nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable option than using the AC.

More Methods to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra ways you can conserve money on air conditioning bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping electrical costs down.
  2. Set annual air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating smoothly and may help it operate more efficiently. It might also help lengthen its life span, since it helps professionals to discover little troubles before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and raise your electricity.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with County Line Mechanical LLC

If you want to save more energy this summer, our County Line Mechanical LLC professionals can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 717-583-8648 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling products.