You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at the right temperature during the summer.

But what is the best temp, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy experts so you can determine the best temperature for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and exterior warmth, your cooling costs will be greater.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are methods you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioner on all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer added insulation and better energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they refresh by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot at first glance, try doing a test for a week or so. Start by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually decrease it while using the suggestions above. You could be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC running all day while your residence is vacant. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t productive and usually produces a more expensive electrical cost.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temp controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a handy solution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of installing 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 too uncomfortable for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that may be too cool, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We advise trying a similar test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and slowly decreasing it to select the ideal temp for your residence. On pleasant nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are added approaches you can save money on AC bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping cooling bills low.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running properly and may help it operate more efficiently. It could also help prolong its life cycle, since it enables professionals to pinpoint seemingly insignificant troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too often, and raise your electricity.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort troubles in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air inside.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Better Air

If you want to use less energy during warm weather, our Better Air professionals can help. Reach us at 507-663-1208 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.