You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at the right temp during the summer.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy experts so you can select the best temperature for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and outdoor temps, your utility costs will be greater.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are methods you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioning on frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—indoors. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer more insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try doing an experiment for a week or so. Start by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively decrease it while following the advice above. You may be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner going all day while your home is vacant. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t productive and often leads to a higher electrical cost.

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

If you need a hassle-free fix, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that may be too cold, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We suggest running an equivalent test over a week, putting your temp higher and slowly decreasing it to locate the ideal setting for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable option than operating the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy This Summer

There are other approaches you can save money on AC bills throughout warm weather.

  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. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping cooling expenses down.
  2. Set annual air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running smoothly and may help it run at better efficiency. It could also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it allows technicians to pinpoint little troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and raise your energy.
  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 need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air indoors.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning

If you are looking to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning pros can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 920-833-7967 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling products.