You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at the right temperature during hot days.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We review advice from energy experts so you can choose the best temp for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and exterior temps, your cooling expenses will be larger.

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 ways you can keep your residence pleasant without having the AC running constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—inside. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide extra insulation and enhanced energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s since they freshen with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too warm on the surface, try doing a test for about a week. Start by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while following the tips above. You could be astonished at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

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

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t useful and typically results in a bigger cooling expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a convenient solution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

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

We recommend trying a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and progressively lowering it to find the right setting for your house. On mild nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than operating the air conditioner.

More Methods to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

There are other ways you can save money on energy bills throughout the summer.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping cooling bills low.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working smoothly and might help it run at greater efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life span, since it allows technicians to spot seemingly insignificant problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too frequently, and increase your utility.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort troubles in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air indoors.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling

If you want to use less 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.