You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at the right setting during the summer.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We review advice from energy specialists so you can find the best temp for your loved ones.

Here’s what we suggest 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 sizeable difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your cooling expenses will be higher.

These are our recommendations 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 home cool without having the air conditioner on all the time.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer more insulation and improved energy efficiency.

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

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable 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 using the advice above. You may be astonished at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning on all day while your home is empty. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t productive and often leads to a more expensive electricity expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temp in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you go.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free resolution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor 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. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise following a comparable test over a week, setting your temp higher and gradually decreasing it to locate the ideal setting for your house. On cool nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior solution than operating the AC.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are other ways you can save money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping cooling expenses low.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running like it should and may help it run at better efficiency. It could also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it helps technicians to spot seemingly insignificant troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and drive up your electrical.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort issues in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.

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 pros can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 1-866-781-0111 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling options.