You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant temp during warm days.

But what is the best temp, exactly? We review ideas from energy specialists so you can choose the best temperature for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your utility costs will be higher.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are methods you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioning going constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cold air where it should be—inside. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer more insulation and better energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too warm initially, try conducting a trial for approximately a week. Start by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily lower it while using the advice above. You may be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning going all day while your residence is vacant. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a more expensive cooling cost.

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

If you’re looking for a handy solution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend trying a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and gradually turning it down to pick the ideal temperature for your residence. On cool nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable option than using the AC.

More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer

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

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electricity bills down.
  2. Schedule regular air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working properly and may help it operate at greater efficiency. It can also help extend its life expectancy, since it helps techs to pinpoint small issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and increase your cooling.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes 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 examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak cool 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 cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air inside.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning

If you are looking to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning professionals can assist you. Give us a call at 203-941-5099 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.