You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant setting during warm days.

But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy experts so you can select the best temp for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outside temps, your electrical costs 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 hot, there are approaches you can keep your residence cool without having the AC on all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer added insulation and better energy savings.

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

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable on the surface, try running a trial for a week or so. Start by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually lower it while following the tips above. You may be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner running all day while your house is unoccupied. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t productive and often leads to a bigger cooling expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your settings in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you go.

If you need a handy solution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.

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

We advise running a similar test over a week, putting your temperature higher and slowly turning it down to find the right temperature for your family. On mild nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior option than operating the AC.

More Ways to Save Energy During Warm Weather

There are other ways you can save money on AC bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping cooling costs down.
  2. Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working properly and may help it operate more efficiently. It could also help lengthen its life span, since it allows techs to uncover little troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too frequently, and drive up your cooling.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses 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 need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort troubles in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air within your home.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Custom Air Systems Inc

If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Custom Air Systems Inc specialists can assist you. Get in touch with us at 772-247-2283 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling products.