You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a refreshing temperature during the summer.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy pros so you can find the best temp for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and outdoor temperatures, your electrical 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 appears warm, there are methods you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioning on all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give extra insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try conducting a trial for approximately a week. Get started by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually decrease it while using the ideas above. You might be shocked at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

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

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t effective and typically produces a bigger air conditioner expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good way 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 change the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a hassle-free remedy, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, due to your PJ and blanket preference.

We advise running a comparable test over a week, moving your temp higher and gradually lowering it to find the ideal temperature for your residence. On mild nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

There are additional approaches you can save money on utility bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping energy costs low.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and may help it work more efficiently. It may also help lengthen its life span, since it helps techs to pinpoint little issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and raise your cooling.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort troubles in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Dave's Diversified Services

If you want to save more energy during hot weather, our Dave's Diversified Services specialists can help. Get in touch with us at 540-636-3396 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling options.