You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing temp during warm days.

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

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outside temps, your electrical 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 residence cool without having the air conditioning running constantly.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver added insulation and better energy conservation.

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

If 78 degrees still feels too hot on the surface, try conducting a trial for approximately a week. Begin by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while following the ideas above. You might be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC working all day while your residence is vacant. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and usually leads to a bigger electrical bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your settings in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you take off.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free resolution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.

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

We recommend using a similar test over a week, putting your temperature higher and slowly lowering it to locate the ideal temperature for your residence. On mild nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior idea than operating the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Save Energy This Summer

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

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping electricity costs low.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running like it should and might help it operate more efficiently. It could also help prolong its life expectancy, since it allows techs to pinpoint little issues before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too often, and raise your cooling.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort problems in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.

Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Wallpe Heating & Cooling

If you are looking to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Wallpe Heating & Cooling experts can assist you. Give us a call at 812-663-7252 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.