You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at the right setting during muggy weather.

But what is the best setting, exactly? We review ideas from energy pros so you can choose the best temperature for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

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

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are approaches you can keep your home pleasant without having the AC running frequently.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—inside. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver more insulation and improved energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too warm initially, try running a trial for approximately a week. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively lower it while using the tips above. You may be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC working all day while your home is vacant. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity bills, 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 effective and often produces a higher cooling bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temperature under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you take off.

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

Another benefit 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 may be unpleasant for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, due to your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend following a similar test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and progressively turning it down to select the right temperature for your family. On mild nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better option than using the AC.

More Methods to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

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

  1. Install 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 residence cooler while keeping AC expenses low.
  2. Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and may help it operate at greater efficiency. It could also help prolong its life expectancy, since it helps professionals to uncover little troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and increase your cooling.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 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 create big comfort issues in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air within your home.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc.

If you need to save more energy during warm weather, our Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. specialists can assist you. Reach us at 862-345-6896 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling products.