You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing setting during summer weather.

But what is the right temp, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy professionals so you can find the best setting for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your cooling bills 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 approaches you can keep your residence refreshing without having the AC going constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window coverings, 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 higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they freshen with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable at first glance, try running an experiment for about a week. Start by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually decrease it while following the ideas above. You could be amazed at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

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

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t useful and usually results in a bigger electricity expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temperature in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a handy remedy, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for most families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, due to your PJ and blanket preference.

We suggest trying a comparable test over a week, putting your temperature higher and progressively turning it down to locate the best temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior idea than using the AC.

More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are added ways you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electricity bills down.
  2. Book annual air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and might help it work at greater efficiency. It can also help extend its life span, since it helps technicians to spot little problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and drive up your cooling.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes 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 need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort issues in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air within your home.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Western Mechanical, Inc.

If you want to use less energy during hot weather, our Western Mechanical, Inc. pros can help. Reach us at 435-753-5515 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling options.