You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant setting during summer weather.

But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy experts so you can select the best temp for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor 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 seems too high, there are ways you can keep your residence cool without having the AC on all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cool air where it should be—inside. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide added insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too hot on the surface, try running a test for approximately a week. Get started by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily lower it while adhering to the tips above. You might be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC on all day while your residence is unoccupied. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t useful and often leads to a more expensive electricity expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temperature in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a hassle-free remedy, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for most families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend following an equivalent test over a week, putting your temperature higher and slowly lowering it to pick the right temp for your residence. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than using the AC.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra methods you can save money on AC 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 get older. A new air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping cooling expenses down.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running like it should and might help it work at better efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life span, since it enables professionals to find little problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your energy.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort troubles in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air indoors.

Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Advanced Service AC & Heating

If you want to use less energy this summer, our Advanced Service AC & Heating experts can help. Get in touch with us at 301-371-8807 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling products.