You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a refreshing setting during muggy weather.

But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We go over ideas from energy experts so you can find the best temperature for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and exterior warmth, your cooling expenses 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 sounds warm, there are ways you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioning going constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—indoors. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver extra insulation and better energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they refresh through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable initially, try conducting an experiment for about a week. Start by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually turn it down while adhering to the tips above. You may be amazed at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC going all day while your house is vacant. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t productive and usually produces a higher electricity expense.

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

If you’re looking for a convenient remedy, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, due to your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend running a comparable test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and gradually decreasing it to pinpoint the right temperature for your house. On cool nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better option than operating the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

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

  1. Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping electrical expenses down.
  2. Schedule regular air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating like it should and may help it work at better efficiency. It could also help prolong its life span, since it allows techs to find seemingly insignificant troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too often, and drive up your cooling.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort problems in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air within your home.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Smyth Air Conditioning

If you need to save more energy this summer, our Smyth Air Conditioning experts can provide assistance. Give us a call at 561-533-6066 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling options.