You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant temperature during hot days.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We go over ideas from energy experts so you can select the best temp for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outside warmth, your electricity expenses will be higher.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are ways you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioning on all the time.

Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—within your home. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer more insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s because they refresh with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too warm initially, try running a test for about a week. Start by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily lower it while following the ideas above. You could be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC on all day while your home is vacant. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t useful and often leads to a more expensive cooling expense.

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

If you’re looking for a hassle-free solution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

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

We suggest using a comparable test over a week, putting your temperature higher and progressively turning it down to locate the right setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than running the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are other approaches you can conserve money on AC bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping AC bills low.
  2. Schedule annual air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running like it should and could help it work at better efficiency. It can also help prolong its life cycle, since it enables techs to find little problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and raise your cooling.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the USA don’t have proper 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 examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort troubles in your home, 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 conditioned air inside.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with H&C Heating and Cooling

If you want to save more energy during warm weather, our H&C Heating and Cooling experts can assist you. Give us a call at 301-235-2937 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling products.