You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at the right temp during muggy weather.

But what is the right temp, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy experts so you can choose the best temperature for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and outdoor warmth, your electrical bills 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 appears hot, there are ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the AC running frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cold air where it should be—indoors. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give added insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too warm initially, try conducting a test for approximately a week. Get started by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively turn it down while using the suggestions above. You could be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning running all day while your house is empty. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t productive and usually results in a more expensive electricity bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your settings under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a hassle-free resolution, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that could be too cool, due to your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend following a similar test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and steadily decreasing it to select the best setting for your residence. On mild nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than using the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are extra ways you can spend less money on AC bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping utility bills low.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working smoothly and could help it work at better efficiency. It can also help extend its life expectancy, since it allows professionals to uncover seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too much, and raise your utility.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort troubles in your house, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air within your home.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning

If you want to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning professionals can provide assistance. Give us a call at 519-296-4437 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.