You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temp during summer weather.

But what is the right temp, 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 Kearney.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and exterior warmth, your electrical bills will be larger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are approaches you can keep your house cool without having the AC going frequently.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—within your home. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide extra insulation and better energy efficiency.

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 freshen through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too warm at first glance, try conducting a trial for approximately a week. Get started by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while using the suggestions above. You might be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning going all day while your home is empty. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t effective and often produces a higher AC cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temp controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.

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

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.

We suggest trying a comparable test over a week, moving your temperature higher and steadily turning it down to pick the ideal temp for your house. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than using the AC.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are additional approaches you can conserve money on AC bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping electrical expenses low.
  2. Set annual air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running like it should and may help it operate at greater efficiency. It could also help extend its life span, since it helps pros to discover little issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too often, and drive up your cooling.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most 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 cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort issues in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air indoors.

Save More Energy This Summer with Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning

If you want to save more energy during hot weather, our Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning specialists can assist you. Get in touch with us at 308-270-3765 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling options.