You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant setting during hot days.

But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We go over advice from energy professionals so you can choose 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 most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outside warmth, your electricity costs 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 sounds hot, there are approaches you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioner on constantly.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer extra insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they cool by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try running an experiment for approximately a week. Start by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the advice 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 home is empty. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t useful and usually leads to a bigger electrical cost.

A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temp controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a hassle-free resolution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for many families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your PJ and blanket preference.

We recommend following a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and steadily turning it down to choose the ideal temperature for your house. On cool nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than running the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Save Energy This Summer

There are added methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping energy bills low.
  2. Set regular air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working like it should and could help it run at greater efficiency. It can also help prolong its life cycle, since it enables technicians to find little troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and drive up your electricity.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort troubles in your house, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air inside.

Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Dave's Diversified Services

If you are looking to save more energy during hot weather, our Dave's Diversified Services pros can help. Give us a call at 540-636-3396 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling products.