You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing setting during the summer.

But what is the best setting, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy pros so you can select the best setting for your residence.

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

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 interior and outdoor warmth, your electricity costs 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 appears too high, there are ways you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioning going all the time.

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

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they refresh by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too hot initially, try running a trial for approximately a week. Get started by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily lower it while using the tips above. You might be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC going all day while your residence is unoccupied. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and often leads to a higher electricity bill.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your settings under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.

If you need a handy solution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

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

We recommend using a similar test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and slowly lowering it to pick the right temp for your house. On pleasant nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable option than using the AC.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are other approaches you can save money on air conditioning bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping AC bills low.
  2. Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating like it should and could help it work more efficiently. It might also help lengthen its life cycle, since it helps professionals to uncover small issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and increase your cooling.
  4. Inspect 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 need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort issues in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with House of Heating Incorporated

If you want to conserve more energy this summer, our House of Heating Incorporated specialists can help. Reach us at 715-384-3163 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling options.