You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing setting during summer weather.

But what is the right temp, exactly? We review suggestions from energy professionals so you can choose the best temp for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your cooling 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 too high, there are methods you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioning going constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—within your home. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give extra insulation and improved energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s because they refresh with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable on the surface, try conducting an experiment for a week or so. Get started by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively decrease it while adhering to the ideas above. You could be shocked at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC running all day while your home is empty. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t effective and usually produces a bigger air conditioner cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temp controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.

If you’re looking for a handy fix, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, due to your PJ and blanket preference.

We recommend following an equivalent test over a week, moving your temperature higher and progressively decreasing it to pinpoint the best setting for your family. On cool nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior option than operating the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy This Summer

There are added methods you can spend less money on AC bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Buy 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 residence comfier while keeping cooling bills low.
  2. Book annual air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating like it should and may help it work at better efficiency. It might also help prolong its life cycle, since it enables professionals to pinpoint little problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and raise your electrical.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort troubles in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air indoors.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with HCE Systems

If you are looking to save more energy during warm weather, our HCE Systems professionals can assist you. Reach us at 276-302-0076 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling options.