You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant setting during the summer.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We review suggestions from energy experts so you can find the best temp for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and exterior warmth, your utility costs will be larger.

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

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

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cold air where it should be—indoors. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide added insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too warm initially, try running an experiment for about a week. Begin by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily decrease it while using the ideas above. You may be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner working all day while your house is unoccupied. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t useful and typically results in a higher AC bill.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your settings under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you go.

If you need a hassle-free fix, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that might be too cool, due to your pajama and blanket preference.

We suggest following a similar test over a week, putting your temperature higher and gradually turning it down to locate the ideal temperature for your house. On cool nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better solution than using the air conditioner.

More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are additional approaches you can save money on utility bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electrical costs small.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating like it should and may help it operate at greater efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life span, since it helps professionals to spot seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and drive up your electricity.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the USA 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 separated over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air inside.

Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Kilbourne Heating & AC

If you want to save more energy this summer, our Kilbourne Heating & AC specialists can assist you. Give us a call at 561-269-2261 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling options.