You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant temp during hot days.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We review advice from energy professionals so you can determine the best setting for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your AC expenses will be bigger.

This is our advice 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 house pleasant without having the air conditioning going constantly.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cool air where it should be—inside. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver added insulation and better energy efficiency.

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

If 78 degrees still seems too hot at first glance, try doing a trial for a week or so. Start by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while following the tips above. You could be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC running all day while your home is vacant. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t useful and usually leads to a bigger electricity bill.

A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temp in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a convenient fix, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the biggest 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 keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

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

We advise following a comparable test over a week, setting your temp higher and gradually lowering it to choose the best temp for your house. On cool nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better option than operating the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are other ways you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping cooling bills low.
  2. Set annual air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working properly and might help it work at better efficiency. It may also help extend its life span, since it enables professionals to pinpoint little issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too much, and raise your electricity.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort problems in your house, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air inside.

Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Luikart Heating & Cooling

If you are looking to conserve more energy this summer, our Luikart Heating & Cooling pros can assist you. Give us a call at 740-200-5591 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling products.