You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a refreshing temperature during summer weather.

But what is the right temp, exactly? We review ideas from energy experts so you can determine the best temp for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and exterior temps, your electricity expenses will be bigger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are ways you can keep your home refreshing without having the AC on constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cold air where it should be—indoors. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide added insulation and better energy efficiency.

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

If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try running a test for a week or so. Get started by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively decrease it while following the ideas above. You could be astonished at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning on all day while your house is unoccupied. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t useful and typically produces a bigger electrical bill.

A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temperature in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a hassle-free solution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may 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 suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, due to your PJ and blanket preference.

We advise using a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and gradually lowering it to select the best setting for your house. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable option than using the air conditioner.

More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are added approaches you can spend less money on air conditioning 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 get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping energy costs low.
  2. Set regular air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running like it should and may help it run more efficiently. It could also help prolong its life span, since it helps professionals to pinpoint seemingly insignificant issues before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too often, and raise your energy.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have proper 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 examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, 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 inside.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with McFadden Heating & Cooling

If you want to conserve more energy during hot weather, our McFadden Heating & Cooling professionals can provide assistance. Give us a call at 1-866-781-0111 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling products.