You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temp during muggy weather.

But what is the best temp, exactly? We discuss advice from energy specialists so you can determine the best setting for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and exterior 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 appears warm, there are approaches you can keep your home cool without having the AC going constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer extra insulation and better energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they cool with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too warm at first glance, try conducting a test for a week or so. Get started by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily turn it down while using the advice above. You may be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning working all day while your house is vacant. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and typically leads to a higher air conditioner cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your settings in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a handy resolution, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

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

We suggest trying a similar test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and steadily turning it down to find the ideal temp for your house. On mild nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better solution than operating the AC.

More Methods to Save Energy During Warm Weather

There are additional approaches you can conserve money on AC bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping electrical costs down.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running like it should and might help it work at better efficiency. It may also help extend its life cycle, since it enables techs to spot little troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and increase your energy.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort troubles in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air within your home.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with McFadden Heating & Cooling

If you are looking to use less energy during warm weather, our McFadden Heating & Cooling specialists can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 519-683-2339 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling options.