You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temperature during muggy weather.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We review suggestions from energy pros so you can determine the best setting for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and exterior warmth, your utility expenses will be larger.

These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are methods you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioner running all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—within your home. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give extra insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try running an experiment for approximately a week. Get started by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while using the ideas above. You might be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner running all day while your home is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t productive and often produces a higher cooling cost.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your settings in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you go.

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

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend running an equivalent test over a week, putting your temperature higher and slowly decreasing it to select the best setting for your family. On mild nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable option than operating the AC.

More Approaches to Save Energy During Warm Weather

There are added ways you can save money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electricity bills low.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running smoothly and could help it operate at better efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it enables professionals to pinpoint small troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and drive up your cooling.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the United States don’t have enough 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 examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort troubles in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air within your home.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with Aggressive Mechanical

If you need to use less energy during hot weather, our Aggressive Mechanical professionals can assist you. Get in touch with us at 732-502-9300 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.