You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant temp during muggy weather.

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

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and outside warmth, your AC bills will be higher.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are approaches you can keep your house cool without having the AC running constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cold air where it should be—inside. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver extra insulation and better energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they cool through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable at first glance, try doing an experiment for a week or so. Begin by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily decrease it while using the advice above. You may be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner on all day while your home is empty. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t useful and usually produces a more expensive cooling cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your settings in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a handy resolution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that may be too cool, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We recommend running a comparable test over a week, setting your temp higher and gradually turning it down to determine the best setting for your family. On mild nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better option than running the AC.

More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are other approaches you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping electrical costs low.
  2. Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating properly and may help it operate at better efficiency. It might also help extend its life expectancy, since it enables techs to pinpoint seemingly insignificant problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too much, and drive up your energy.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort troubles in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air inside.

Conserve 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. Reach us at 812-663-7252 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling options.