You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at the right setting during muggy weather.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy specialists so you can determine the best temp for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and exterior temps, your electrical costs 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 warm, there are approaches you can keep your house refreshing without having the AC going constantly.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—within your home. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver extra insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

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

If 78 degrees still feels too hot at first glance, try doing a trial for about a week. Start by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually turn it down while using the tips above. You could be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning going all day while your residence is vacant. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t effective and typically produces a bigger AC bill.

A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temperature controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a hassle-free fix, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for the majority of 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 could be too chilly, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend trying an equivalent test over a week, putting your temp higher and steadily lowering it to find the right temperature for your house. On mild nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable option than running the air conditioning.

More Ways to Save Energy This Summer

There are other ways you can save money on utility bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping cooling bills low.
  2. Schedule annual air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working properly and may help it run at better efficiency. It may also help prolong its life cycle, since it enables professionals to discover small troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters regularly. Read 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 cooling.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort troubles in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air inside.

Use Less Energy This Summer with JW Brager Heating and Cooling

If you want to use less energy during warm weather, our JW Brager Heating and Cooling professionals can help. Reach us at 608-523-9293 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.