You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temp during summer weather.

But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We go over ideas from energy specialists so you can choose the best setting for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and outdoor temperatures, your cooling costs will be higher.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are approaches you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioning running all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give more insulation and enhanced energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try running a trial for a week or so. Begin by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily lower it while adhering to the advice above. You might be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

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

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t effective and typically produces a higher cooling bill.

A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temperature controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.

If you’re looking for a handy solution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for many families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that may be too cool, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We advise trying a similar test over a week, moving your temperature higher and gradually lowering it to locate the right temperature for your residence. On cool nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than running the air conditioner.

More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

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

  1. Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping energy costs down.
  2. Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and could help it run more efficiently. It may also help extend its life expectancy, since it enables technicians to pinpoint seemingly insignificant issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and drive up your utility.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the United States 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 should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort troubles in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air indoors.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning

If you want to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning experts can provide assistance. Give us a call at 308-270-3765 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling options.