You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at the right temperature during hot days.

But what is the right temp, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy pros so you can determine the best temp for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and outdoor warmth, your utility costs will be larger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are approaches you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioner on frequently.

Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—inside. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver added insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they cool through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too warm at first glance, try running a trial for a week or so. Get started by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually turn it down while following the suggestions above. You might be astonished at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC on all day while your house is empty. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t productive and often results in a bigger electrical bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your settings in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a handy resolution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of having 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 could be unbearable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, based on your clothing and blanket preference.

We advise trying a comparable test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and slowly lowering it to pick the right setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better option than using the air conditioner.

More Ways to Save Energy During Warm Weather

There are other approaches you can save money on utility bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping utility costs small.
  2. Set regular air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working properly and could help it run at greater efficiency. It could also help extend its life cycle, since it helps technicians to pinpoint small problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too frequently, and drive up your energy.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the USA 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 should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort issues in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air indoors.

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

If you want to use less energy during hot weather, our Dave's Diversified Services pros can provide assistance. Reach us at 540-636-3396 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling options.