You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temperature during summer weather.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We go over advice from energy pros so you can determine the best setting for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your electrical bills will be larger.

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 methods you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioning running frequently.

Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide added insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s since they freshen by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try running a test for a week or so. Get started by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually turn it down while following the advice above. You may be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning running all day while your house is empty. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a more expensive air conditioner cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your settings controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a hassle-free fix, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for the majority of families. Most 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, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We recommend using a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and gradually turning it down to locate the ideal temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable option than running the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

There are extra ways you can spend less money on utility bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electrical expenses down.
  2. Book regular air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running properly and could help it operate more efficiently. It might also help lengthen its life span, since it helps pros to pinpoint small troubles before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too frequently, and drive up your cooling.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort troubles in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air inside.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Better Air

If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Better Air pros can assist you. Give us a call at 507-663-1208 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.