You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant setting during muggy weather.

But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We discuss advice from energy professionals so you can find the best temperature for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outside warmth, your utility costs will be greater.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are methods you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioner on constantly.

Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—within your home. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give added insulation and better energy conservation.

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

If 78 degrees still appears too warm at first glance, try conducting a trial for approximately a week. Start by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily lower it while adhering to the tips above. You may be amazed at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner working all day while your residence is vacant. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and often leads to a higher electrical expense.

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

If you need a handy solution, think over getting 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 adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

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

We recommend trying a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and slowly decreasing it to select the right setting for your family. On cool nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable option than running the air conditioning.

More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are added ways you can conserve money on AC bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping electrical expenses low.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running like it should and could help it run more efficiently. It might also help lengthen its life cycle, since it allows pros to find small troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and increase your electricity.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the United States don’t have enough 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 examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort issues in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air inside.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning

If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning professionals can assist you. Get in touch with us at 734-284-1224 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling options.