You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing setting during the summer.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We review advice from energy specialists so you can determine the best temperature for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and exterior temps, your cooling expenses will be larger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems warm, there are methods you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioning going frequently.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer added insulation and improved energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they cool with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable at first glance, try running a trial for approximately a week. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually decrease it while adhering to the ideas 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 AC on all day while your house is empty. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and often results in a bigger cooling bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.

If you’re looking for a convenient remedy, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for many families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, based on your clothing and blanket preference.

We advise trying an equivalent test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and progressively decreasing it to pick the ideal setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than using the air conditioner.

More Ways to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

There are additional ways you can save money on utility 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 become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping cooling bills low.
  2. Schedule annual air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running properly and could help it operate at better efficiency. It could also help prolong its life expectancy, since it allows techs to pinpoint little problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and drive up your electrical.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 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 result in major comfort issues in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air indoors.

Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Wallpe Heating & Cooling

If you need to use less energy during warm weather, our Wallpe Heating & Cooling specialists can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 812-663-7252 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.