You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at the right temperature during summer weather.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy specialists so you can determine the best temperature for your home.

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 provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and exterior temps, your cooling costs will be higher.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are ways you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioning going constantly.

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

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they freshen by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too hot initially, try running a test for a week or so. Start by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually turn it down while adhering to the suggestions above. You may be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner going all day while your residence is empty. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a higher AC bill.

A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you leave.

If you’re looking for a handy remedy, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk 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 advises 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, based on your PJ and blanket preference.

We advise using a comparable test over a week, setting your temperature higher and gradually lowering it to pinpoint the right setting for your residence. On cool nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior option than operating the AC.

More Methods to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

There are added methods you can save money on energy bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electricity costs small.
  2. Book regular air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working properly and might help it operate at better efficiency. It might also help extend its life expectancy, since it helps techs to find small problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your cooling.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort issues in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by closing holes. 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 are looking to save more energy during warm weather, our Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning specialists can help. Reach us at 308-624-3485 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling options.