You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a refreshing setting during the summer.

But what is the right temp, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy specialists so you can determine the best setting for your home.

Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Hasbrouck Heights.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and outdoor temps, your cooling bills 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 approaches you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioner on all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cold air where it should be—indoors. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give more insulation and better energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they cool through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm at first glance, try doing a trial for approximately a week. Get started by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually turn it down while following the advice above. You could be amazed at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning working all day while your house is empty. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t effective and typically results in a bigger electrical bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.

If you want a hassle-free remedy, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

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

We suggest using a comparable test over a week, putting your temp higher and steadily lowering it to locate the best temperature for your residence. On cool nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than using the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are additional approaches you can spend less money on utility bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping energy costs small.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating properly and might help it work at greater efficiency. It can also help extend its life expectancy, since it enables techs to find little troubles before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too much, and raise your energy.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have adequate 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 inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort problems in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air within your home.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with ACE Solutions

If you want to save more energy this summer, our ACE Solutions specialists can provide assistance. Give us a call at 201-579-2562 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling products.