You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a pleasant temperature during muggy weather.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We go over advice from energy experts so you can choose the best temperature for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outdoor temps, your electricity expenses will be higher.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are approaches you can keep your residence pleasant without having the AC going constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver extra insulation and better energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s since they cool through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable on the surface, try running a trial for a week or so. Get started by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while following the suggestions above. You may be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC on all day while your home is unoccupied. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t useful and often results in a higher AC expense.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temperature under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a handy remedy, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year 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 nearly anywhere.

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

We advise following a comparable test over a week, setting your temperature higher and gradually turning it down to locate the best temp for your house. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the air conditioning.

More Methods to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

There are additional ways you can conserve money on utility bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping energy expenses small.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and might help it operate more efficiently. It may also help prolong its life span, since it enables techs to uncover small issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and raise your electrical.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air inside.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning

If you are looking to conserve more energy this summer, our Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning experts can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 203-772-8319 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling options.