You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temperature during the summer.

But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We review recommendations from energy specialists so you can find the best setting for your house.

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

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 interior and outdoor temperatures, your cooling costs will be bigger.

These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the AC going frequently.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cold air where it should be—inside. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver added insulation and improved energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too hot at first glance, try running a trial 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 ideas above. You might be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning working all day while your residence is empty. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and often produces a bigger cooling bill.

A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temperature under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.

If you’re looking for a convenient remedy, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We suggest using a similar test over a week, setting your temperature higher and progressively decreasing it to pick the best setting for your house. On mild nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior solution than running the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are additional approaches you can save money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping AC costs down.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running like it should and could help it work at better efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it helps techs to discover small troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and drive up your energy.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort problems in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC

If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC experts can assist you. Give us a call at 715-318-6728 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.