You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant setting during muggy weather.

But what is the best temp, exactly? We review ideas from energy experts so you can select the best temperature for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outdoor warmth, your AC costs will be bigger.

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 approaches you can keep your home refreshing without having the AC running all the time.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cold air where it should be—inside. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer added insulation and better energy savings.

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

If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try running a test for about a week. Start by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily lower it while following the ideas above. You may be astonished at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner running all day while your residence is vacant. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and often results in a more expensive air conditioner cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your settings controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you go.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free fix, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, due to your clothing and blanket preference.

We suggest using an equivalent test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and slowly turning it down to choose the right temp for your house. On cool nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior idea than using the air conditioning.

More Ways to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are added methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electrical costs low.
  2. Set regular air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working smoothly and might help it operate more efficiently. It may also help lengthen its life span, since it allows pros to discover little troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too much, and increase your utility.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air indoors.

Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Central Heating & Plumbing

If you want to use less energy during warm weather, our Central Heating & Plumbing professionals can help. Give us a call at 724-401-1843 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.