You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temperature during the summer.

But what is the right temp, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy professionals so you can choose the best setting for your home.

Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Palm Coast.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outside temps, your electrical costs will be greater.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are methods you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioner going frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver more insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable at first glance, try running an experiment for about a week. Start by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually decrease it while using the suggestions above. You could be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning running all day while your house is empty. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t effective and typically produces a more expensive electricity cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temperature controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.

If you’re looking for a handy resolution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Many 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 cold, based on your clothing and blanket preference.

We recommend using a similar test over a week, setting your temperature higher and progressively decreasing it to pick the right temp for your house. On mild nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior solution than running the air conditioning.

More Methods to Save Energy During Warm Weather

There are other ways you can spend less money on air conditioning bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping AC expenses down.
  2. Book annual air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and could help it work at better efficiency. It can also help prolong its life cycle, since it helps technicians to spot little problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too frequently, and raise your electrical.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort problems in your house, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, 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 indoors.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Cooks Air Conditioning and Heating Specialists

If you need to use less energy during warm weather, our Cooks Air Conditioning and Heating Specialists experts can provide assistance. Reach us at 386-313-8766 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling options.