You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at the right setting during warm days.

But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We review ideas from energy specialists so you can select the best temperature for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and exterior warmth, your cooling bills will be bigger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are methods you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioning running all the time.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—within your home. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer extra insulation and improved energy savings.

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

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable on the surface, try running an experiment for approximately a week. Start by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily decrease it while using the ideas above. You could be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC on all day while your house is empty. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t effective and usually results in a higher air conditioner bill.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temperature under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.

If you need a hassle-free fix, think about 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 instinctively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of installing 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 recommends 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We suggest trying a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and steadily turning it down to pick the ideal temperature for your house. On cool nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior option than running the air conditioner.

More Methods to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are added methods you can save money on AC bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping energy costs low.
  2. Book annual air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working like it should and could help it run more efficiently. It can also help extend its life span, since it enables professionals to discover seemingly insignificant problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and drive up your cooling.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort problems in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with James Heating & A/C, Inc

If you are looking to save more energy during hot weather, our James Heating & A/C, Inc specialists can assist you. Get in touch with us at 336-853-6070 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.