You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temperature during the summer.

But what is the right temp, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy specialists so you can choose the best setting for your home.

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 most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outside temps, your AC bills 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 warm, there are methods you can keep your house pleasant without having the AC running frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—inside. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer extra insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot initially, try running an experiment for a week or so. Start by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily turn it down while using the suggestions above. You could be amazed at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC on all day while your home is vacant. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and usually results in a higher cooling expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a handy fix, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of installing 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 might be unpleasant for many families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that might be too cool, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.

We suggest trying a similar test over a week, moving your temperature higher and steadily turning it down to choose the best temperature for your residence. On mild nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior idea than using the AC.

More Methods to Save Energy During Warm Weather

There are extra ways you can save money on energy bills throughout the summer.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping utility bills small.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating like it should and might help it work at greater efficiency. It might also help extend its life cycle, since it helps technicians to spot small issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and raise your electricity.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort problems in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air within your home.

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

If you are looking to conserve more energy this summer, our Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC professionals can assist you. Get in touch with us at 715-603-4483 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling options.