You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at the right temp during hot days.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We review suggestions from energy pros so you can find the best temperature for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outside warmth, your utility expenses will be larger.

These are our suggestions 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 home refreshing without having the AC going constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—indoors. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver more insulation and better energy efficiency.

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

If 78 degrees still feels too warm on the surface, try doing a trial for about a week. Get started by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually lower it while using the ideas above. You might be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

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

When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t effective and often results in a bigger cooling cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your settings controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a handy remedy, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

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

We advise following a similar test over a week, putting your temperature higher and steadily decreasing it to locate the best setting for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior idea than operating the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

There are added methods you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping AC expenses small.
  2. Set regular air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running smoothly and could help it work at better efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life span, since it enables techs to spot small issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and increase your electrical.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort troubles in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air inside.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Western Mechanical, Inc.

If you need to use less energy this summer, our Western Mechanical, Inc. professionals can provide assistance. Reach us at 435-753-5515 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling options.