You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant temperature during the summer.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy specialists so you can choose the best temperature for your residence.

Here’s what we suggest 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 is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and exterior warmth, your utility expenses 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 approaches you can keep your house cool without having the AC going frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—indoors. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide added insulation and enhanced energy savings.

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

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable on the surface, try doing a test for approximately a week. Get started by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while following the advice above. You might be astonished at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner working all day while your house is empty. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t effective and typically leads to a higher electricity cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temperature in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a convenient resolution, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

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

We advise running a comparable test over a week, putting your temperature higher and gradually turning it down to pick the best temp for your family. On cool nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior idea than operating the AC.

More Ways to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra ways you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping electrical expenses small.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating like it should and could help it work at better efficiency. It may also help extend its life expectancy, since it enables pros to spot little problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and increase your cooling.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort issues in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air indoors.

Save More Energy This Summer with Wallpe Heating & Cooling

If you need to save more energy this summer, our Wallpe Heating & Cooling pros can assist you. Give us a call at 812-663-7252 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.