You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant temperature during muggy weather.

But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy experts so you can find the best temperature for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outside temps, your utility expenses will be larger.

These are our recommendations 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 home cool without having the AC running constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide more insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too warm initially, try running an experiment for a week or so. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively decrease it while following the suggestions above. You could be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC running all day while your home is unoccupied. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t productive and often leads to a bigger electricity expense.

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

If you’re looking for a convenient resolution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

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

We advise using a similar test over a week, moving your temperature higher and progressively turning it down to select the right temperature for your residence. On cool nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra approaches you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping energy costs low.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating like it should and might help it run more efficiently. It may also help prolong its life expectancy, since it helps technicians to find small troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too much, and increase your utility.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the United States 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 checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort troubles in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air indoors.

Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Assured Appliance & Heating & Air

If you want to use less energy during hot weather, our Assured Appliance & Heating & Air professionals can assist you. Give us a call at 847-306-8990 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling products.