You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at the right setting during the summer.

But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy experts so you can choose the best temp for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outside temps, your utility costs will be bigger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are ways you can keep your home pleasant without having the AC on all the time.

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

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s since they refresh by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try running an experiment for about a week. Start by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively decrease it while using the ideas above. You might be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC going all day while your house is vacant. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t useful and typically leads to a more expensive electrical cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temperature controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a convenient solution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We advise running an equivalent test over a week, putting your temp higher and gradually lowering it to select the best temp for your family. On mild nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than operating the AC.

More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra ways you can save money on AC bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping utility bills down.
  2. Set annual air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating smoothly and might help it run at greater efficiency. It could also help extend its life span, since it enables pros to discover small problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too much, and drive up your electrical.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort troubles in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air within your home.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Lanz Furnace and Fireplace

If you are looking to save more energy during warm weather, our Lanz Furnace and Fireplace professionals can provide assistance. Reach us at 608-291-3606 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling options.