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

But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy professionals so you can select the best setting for your home.

Here’s what we recommend 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 ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and outdoor temperatures, your electrical expenses will be higher.

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 approaches you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioner running all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—within your home. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide added insulation and better energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s because they cool with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too hot at first glance, try conducting a trial for about a week. Start by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively turn it down while adhering to the advice above. You could be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner on all day while your home is empty. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t productive and often leads to a more expensive air conditioner cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you go.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free remedy, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $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 regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.

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

We advise trying a comparable test over a week, putting your temperature higher and slowly decreasing it to pick the best temp for your residence. On cool nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the air conditioner.

More Methods to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are added ways you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electricity expenses low.
  2. Set annual air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating properly and could help it run more efficiently. It might also help lengthen its life span, since it helps professionals to pinpoint seemingly insignificant troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and drive up your electrical.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air inside.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Custom Air Systems Inc

If you are looking to use less energy during warm weather, our Custom Air Systems Inc experts can help. Give us a call at 772-247-2283 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.