You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at the right temperature during the summer.

But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over ideas from energy professionals so you can choose the best temp for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and exterior warmth, your AC expenses will be higher.

These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are methods you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioner running frequently.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide added insulation and improved energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s since they refresh through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot initially, try conducting a test for a week or so. Get started by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while following the advice above. You may be astonished at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC on all day while your residence is vacant. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t effective and typically results in a bigger air conditioner bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temperature in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.

If you’re looking for a convenient solution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of using 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 advises 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, due to your clothing and blanket preference.

We suggest running a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and steadily decreasing it to select the best setting for your family. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior option than running the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

There are extra approaches you can save money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping energy costs small.
  2. Set annual air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and might help it run at greater efficiency. It could also help lengthen its life span, since it allows pros to uncover seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too frequently, and raise your electrical.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort problems in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air indoors.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Assured Appliance & Heating & Air

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