You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant setting during warm days.

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

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and exterior temperatures, your utility costs will be bigger.

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 approaches you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioner on constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver added insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s since they refresh 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 uncomfortable initially, try doing an experiment for about a week. Start by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while following the suggestions above. You could be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner working all day while your residence is vacant. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t useful and typically results in a more expensive air conditioner cost.

A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temperature under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you take off.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free resolution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

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

We recommend following a comparable test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and slowly lowering it to select the best temp for your family. On mild nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than operating the air conditioning.

More Methods to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

There are extra ways you can conserve money on AC bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping energy bills down.
  2. Book annual air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working smoothly and may help it run at better efficiency. It can also help extend its life span, since it allows professionals to pinpoint small problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and raise your electrical.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort issues in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air within your home.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Luikart Heating & Cooling

If you are looking to conserve more energy this summer, our Luikart Heating & Cooling professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 740-344-5497 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.