You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a pleasant temp during the summer.

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

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outside warmth, your cooling bills will be bigger.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are ways you can keep your home cool without having the AC running frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver extra insulation and better energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they freshen with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot on the surface, try conducting a test for about a week. Begin by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily lower it while adhering to the suggestions above. You may be amazed at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner working all day while your house is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 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 home more rapidly. This isn’t productive and often produces a bigger air conditioner expense.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temp under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.

If you need a handy fix, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.

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

We advise using a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and gradually decreasing it to pinpoint the ideal setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior idea than running the air conditioner.

More Methods to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are other approaches you can save money on AC bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping AC expenses low.
  2. Set annual air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running like it should and may help it work at greater efficiency. It could also help prolong its life expectancy, since it helps techs to discover seemingly insignificant troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and drive up your utility.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 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 seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort problems in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.

Save More Energy This Summer with House of Heating Incorporated

If you want to conserve more energy this summer, our House of Heating Incorporated professionals can provide assistance. Reach us at 715-384-3163 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.