You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at the right temp during the summer.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We go over advice from energy specialists so you can choose the best temp for your loved ones.

Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Neptune City.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and outdoor temps, your electricity costs will be greater.

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 home cool without having the air conditioner on all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—indoors. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer more insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they freshen with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable initially, try doing a trial for about a week. Begin by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily decrease it while using the ideas above. You could be astonished at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning going all day while your home is empty. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t useful and often leads to a higher air conditioner cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temp under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a convenient fix, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your PJ and blanket preference.

We suggest following a comparable test over a week, putting your temperature higher and steadily turning it down to choose the best temp for your house. On mild nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better solution than using the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

There are other methods you can save money on energy bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping cooling expenses small.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating properly and may help it operate at greater efficiency. It may also help prolong its life expectancy, since it helps professionals to discover seemingly insignificant troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and drive up your electrical.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air within your home.

Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Aggressive Mechanical

If you need to save more energy during warm weather, our Aggressive Mechanical specialists can assist you. Reach us at 732-806-5536 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling products.