You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant temp during hot days.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy specialists so you can find the best temp for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and exterior temperatures, your utility costs will be larger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are ways you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioning going all the time.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cold air where it should be—inside. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give more insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they refresh by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too hot at first glance, try running a test for about a week. Get started by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively turn it down while using the ideas above. You could be astonished at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

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

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t productive and usually produces a more expensive electrical expense.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your settings under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a hassle-free solution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of getting 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 advises 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that might be too cool, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We suggest running an equivalent test over a week, putting your temperature higher and steadily decreasing it to find the ideal temp for your residence. On cool nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior solution than operating the air conditioner.

More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are additional ways you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping utility bills down.
  2. Book annual air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working properly and could help it operate more efficiently. It may also help lengthen its life cycle, since it helps pros to uncover little problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too much, and raise your utility.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort troubles in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air inside.

Use Less Energy This Summer with Smyth Air Conditioning

If you need to use less energy during warm weather, our Smyth Air Conditioning professionals can assist you. Reach us at 561-533-6066 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling options.