You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at the right setting during hot days.

But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy professionals so you can choose the best setting for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outdoor temperatures, your utility costs will be bigger.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are methods you can keep your home cool without having the AC running frequently.

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

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

If 78 degrees still seems too warm at first glance, try running a test for a week or so. Get started by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually decrease it while using the advice above. You might be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning going all day while your house is vacant. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t effective and usually produces a bigger cooling expense.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free remedy, 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 gone. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of having 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 recommends 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that might be too cold, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We suggest running a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and progressively turning it down to choose the right temp for your family. On pleasant nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior solution than operating the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are other methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping cooling bills low.
  2. Book annual air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and could help it run at greater efficiency. It may also help prolong its life expectancy, since it helps professionals to discover seemingly insignificant problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too frequently, and raise your energy.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort troubles in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air within your home.

Save More Energy This Summer with Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC

If you want to use less energy this summer, our Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC pros can provide assistance. Give us a call at 302-653-0503 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling products.