You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant setting during hot days.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We review recommendations from energy specialists so you can select the best temperature for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outside temperatures, your electricity expenses will be greater.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are methods you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioning on frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cold air where it should be—within your home. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer more insulation and better energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try conducting a test for about a week. Begin by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily turn it down while using the advice above. You could be surprised at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning on all day while your home is unoccupied. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t productive and typically produces a more expensive electricity cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temperature in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you go.

If you want a handy solution, 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 gone. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We suggest following a similar test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and progressively lowering it to find the right temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better option than operating the air conditioner.

More Methods to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra methods you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping energy expenses down.
  2. Set annual air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running properly and could help it operate at better efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life cycle, since it allows technicians to spot small problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too often, and drive up 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. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air within your home.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Stanford Heating & Cooling

If you want to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Stanford Heating & Cooling professionals can assist you. Get in touch with us at 812-825-8695 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.