You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temperature during summer weather.

But what is the right temp, exactly? We review recommendations from energy pros so you can choose the best temperature for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outdoor temperatures, your electricity expenses 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 sounds warm, there are methods you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioning running all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer more insulation and better energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they refresh by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too warm initially, try running an experiment for about a week. Start by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the suggestions above. You may be shocked at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC on all day while your residence is unoccupied. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t effective and usually leads to a higher AC expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temp in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a convenient resolution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

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

We advise running an equivalent test over a week, moving your temp higher and steadily turning it down to pick the ideal temperature for your house. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior idea than running the AC.

More Methods to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are added ways you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electricity bills down.
  2. Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating properly and could help it run at better efficiency. It could also help prolong its life span, since it allows pros to uncover seemingly insignificant troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too much, and drive up your utility.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort troubles in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air indoors.

Use Less Energy This Summer with Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling

If you are looking to save more energy this summer, our Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling pros can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 740-474-5940 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling options.