You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a refreshing setting during hot days.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy pros so you can determine the best temp for your family.

Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in South Beloit and Belvidere.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your electrical bills will be bigger.

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 approaches you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioner on constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cold air where it should be—indoors. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give extra insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s because they refresh with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable at first glance, try running a test for a week or so. Get started by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily decrease it while following the ideas above. You may be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning on all day while your home is empty. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t effective and typically leads to a higher air conditioner cost.

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

If you’re looking for a convenient solution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects 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 the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.

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

We suggest following a similar test over a week, putting your temperature higher and steadily decreasing it to choose the best setting for your family. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable option than using the air conditioner.

More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are additional approaches you can spend less money on utility bills throughout the summer.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping cooling expenses low.
  2. Book annual air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating smoothly and may help it operate at better efficiency. It can also help extend its life span, since it allows pros to discover seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and increase your electrical.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have enough 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 inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort issues in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air within your home.

Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc

If you need to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc experts can provide assistance. Give us a call at 877-389-2465 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.