You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temp during summer weather.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy pros so you can find the best temperature for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outdoor temps, your AC costs 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 sounds warm, there are approaches you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioning on constantly.

Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cold air where it should be—indoors. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer added insulation and better energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they cool with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm at first glance, try doing an experiment for a week or so. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively decrease it while using the tips above. You could be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning going all day while your home is unoccupied. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t useful and usually produces a higher electrical cost.

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

If you need a hassle-free resolution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for the majority of 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, due to your pajama and blanket preference.

We suggest using an equivalent test over a week, setting your temperature higher and slowly decreasing it to determine the ideal temp for your residence. On mild nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better solution than running the air conditioner.

More Methods to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

There are added ways you can spend less money on air conditioning bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping cooling bills low.
  2. Set annual air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating like it should and might help it run at better efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life cycle, since it helps pros to pinpoint little issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and increase your electrical.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air inside.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation

If you need to use less energy this summer, our Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation specialists can help. Reach us at 631-802-6021 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.