You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a pleasant temperature during the summer.

But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy pros so you can select the best temperature for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outdoor warmth, your utility expenses will be greater.

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 home cool without having the air conditioner going all the time.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cool air where it should be—indoors. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver more insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they cool through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot initially, try doing a trial for a week or so. Start by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually turn it down while adhering to the tips above. You might be surprised at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner running all day while your home is unoccupied. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t effective and typically leads to a bigger cooling expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your settings controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a convenient fix, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, based on your PJ and blanket preference.

We advise following a similar test over a week, setting your temperature higher and steadily turning it down to locate the best temperature for your house. On pleasant nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better solution than operating the air conditioner.

More Methods to Save Energy This Summer

There are extra ways you can conserve money on utility bills throughout the summer.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping cooling costs small.
  2. Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating smoothly and could help it work at greater efficiency. It can also help extend its life span, since it helps pros to pinpoint small troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and increase your electricity.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort issues in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air within your home.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning

If you are looking to conserve more energy this summer, our Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning experts can assist you. Reach us at 519-296-4437 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling products.