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

But what is the right setting, exactly? We go over advice from energy experts so you can select the best temperature for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your electrical bills 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 seems too high, there are approaches you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioning on frequently.

Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—within your home. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give extra insulation and improved energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable initially, try doing a test for approximately a week. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually lower it while following the suggestions above. You could be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC on all day while your residence is unoccupied. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t useful and often leads to a bigger cooling expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a hassle-free remedy, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

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

We advise using an equivalent test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and gradually decreasing it to choose the right temp for your house. On mild nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable option than operating the air conditioning.

More Methods to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra approaches you can save money on energy bills throughout hot 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 residence comfier while keeping electricity bills down.
  2. Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating like it should and may help it operate at better efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life span, since it helps techs to pinpoint small issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and increase your utility.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort troubles in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air within your home.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Home Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning LLC

If you are looking to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Home Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning LLC professionals can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 608-850-9498 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling options.