You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at the right setting during summer weather.

But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We go over advice from energy specialists so you can find the best setting for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and outdoor warmth, your cooling costs will be bigger.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are ways you can keep your residence pleasant without having the AC running constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—indoors. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide more insulation and enhanced energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they freshen with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot at first glance, try running an experiment for a week or so. Start by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily lower it while adhering to the suggestions above. You could be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning on all day while your house is empty. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and typically produces a bigger cooling cost.

A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you go.

If you want a hassle-free resolution, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

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

We advise following a comparable test over a week, moving your temperature higher and steadily turning it down to pick the ideal setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the air conditioning.

More Ways to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

There are added methods you can conserve money on utility bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping AC expenses small.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and may help it work at greater efficiency. It can also help extend its life span, since it allows technicians to discover seemingly insignificant problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too frequently, and raise your utility.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort troubles in your house, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air indoors.

Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Kilbourne Heating & AC

If you are looking to use less energy this summer, our Kilbourne Heating & AC specialists can provide assistance. Give us a call at 561-287-7071 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling options.