You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temperature during warm days.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy pros so you can find the best setting for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outside temps, your AC costs will be larger.

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 methods you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioning going constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—within your home. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer more insulation and enhanced energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they cool through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable at first glance, try doing an experiment for a week or so. Begin by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively lower it while following the suggestions above. You could be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning running all day while your residence is unoccupied. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and usually results in a higher air conditioner bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temperature in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.

If you need a hassle-free solution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, due to your PJ and blanket preference.

We advise using a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and progressively lowering it to choose the right temp for your house. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than operating the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are other methods you can spend less money on utility bills throughout the summer.

  1. Upgrade to 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 comfier while keeping cooling bills down.
  2. Book annual air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating smoothly and might help it work at better efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables pros to spot small issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and drive up your electrical.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort problems in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.

Use Less Energy This Summer with Luikart Heating & Cooling

If you want to use less energy this summer, our Luikart Heating & Cooling specialists can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 740-344-5497 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling options.