You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant setting during the summer.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy professionals so you can select the best setting for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your utility expenses 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 sounds too high, there are methods you can keep your house refreshing without having the AC running constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give more insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

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

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable initially, try conducting an experiment for about a week. Get started by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while following the advice above. You might be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

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

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t effective and typically results in a bigger air conditioner bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temp under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you go.

If you want a hassle-free remedy, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of using 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 advises 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for most families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom 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 suggest following a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and steadily decreasing it to find the ideal setting for your family. On cool nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable option than operating the air conditioning.

More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are other ways you can conserve money on utility bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electricity expenses down.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating like it should and might help it work at better efficiency. It might also help prolong its life span, since it allows professionals to pinpoint little issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too frequently, and increase your utility.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Central Air LLC

If you need to use less energy during warm weather, our Central Air LLC specialists can provide assistance. Reach us at 203-357-5913 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.