You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at the right temperature during hot days.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We review ideas from energy experts so you can determine the best temperature for your family.

Here’s what we recommend 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 ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and exterior temperatures, your electricity bills will be higher.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are approaches you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioning going all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver extra insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s since they cool with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too warm initially, try doing a trial for approximately a week. Begin by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily decrease it while adhering to the suggestions above. You could be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC going all day while your house is empty. Turning the temp 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 switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t productive and typically results in a more expensive cooling cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your settings controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a hassle-free remedy, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for many families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, due to your PJ and blanket preference.

We suggest using an equivalent test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and slowly decreasing it to pinpoint the right temperature for your family. On pleasant nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than using the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are other approaches you can conserve money on energy bills throughout hot weather.

1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping electricity expenses small.
2. Schedule regular air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working like it should and may help it run at better efficiency. It could also help prolong its life expectancy, since it enables pros to uncover small problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
3. Change air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and drive up your utility.
4. Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the USA 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 separated over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort problems in your house, like hot and cold spots.
6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air within your home.

Save More Energy This Summer with Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc.

If you are looking to conserve more energy this summer, our Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. professionals can assist you. Get in touch with us at 862-345-6896 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling products.