You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temp during warm days.

But what is the best temp, exactly? We discuss advice from energy specialists so you can choose the best temp for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and outside temperatures, your electricity costs 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 hot, there are ways you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioning on constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—inside. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer more insulation and better energy savings.

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

If 78 degrees still feels too hot at first glance, try conducting a test for about a week. Start by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively decrease it while following the advice above. You might be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner on all day while your house is vacant. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t productive and often leads to a more expensive cooling cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temp in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you go.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free remedy, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

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

We advise running a comparable test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and slowly lowering it to select the ideal temperature for your house. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than running the air conditioning.

More Ways to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra methods you can spend less money on air conditioning bills throughout the summer.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electricity bills down.
  2. Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running like it should and may help it run at better efficiency. It may also help extend its life cycle, since it allows professionals to find little issues before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too often, and increase 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. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 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 lead to major comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air inside.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Assured Appliance & Heating & Air

If you need to save more energy during hot weather, our Assured Appliance & Heating & Air pros can assist you. Reach us at 847-306-8990 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.