You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at the right setting during hot days.

But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy specialists so you can find the best temperature for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and outdoor temps, your utility costs will be larger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems warm, there are methods you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioning going all the time.

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

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s because they cool with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too warm on the surface, try doing an experiment for about a week. Get started by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively decrease it while adhering to the tips above. You could be surprised at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning on all day while your house is vacant. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees warmer 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 put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and typically leads to a bigger air conditioner cost.

A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your settings controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.

If you’re looking for a convenient solution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, due to your clothing and blanket preference.

We suggest using an equivalent test over a week, setting your temp higher and progressively decreasing it to determine the right temperature for your family. On cool nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than operating the air conditioning.

More Ways to Save Energy This Summer

There are extra methods you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electricity expenses down.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working smoothly and could help it run at better efficiency. It might also help prolong its life expectancy, since it allows pros to uncover small troubles before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and raise your energy.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air indoors.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Pratt Brothers

If you are looking to save more energy during warm weather, our Pratt Brothers specialists can help. Give us a call at 920-545-1910 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling options.