You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at the right temp during the summer.

But what is the best setting, exactly? We review ideas from energy experts so you can choose the best setting 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 households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and outside temperatures, your AC costs will be higher.

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

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

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—within your home. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer added insulation and better energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too warm on the surface, try doing a trial for about a week. Get started by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily decrease it while adhering to the suggestions above. You could be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

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

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a bigger air conditioner cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your settings in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you go.

If you want a hassle-free fix, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise using a comparable test over a week, moving your temperature higher and slowly turning it down to determine the right temp for your residence. On cool nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better option than operating the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

There are added ways you can save money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electrical bills down.
  2. Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating smoothly and may help it run more efficiently. It could also help lengthen its life span, since it enables technicians to discover seemingly insignificant problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and increase your cooling.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 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 lead to big comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air within your home.

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

If you need to use less energy during hot weather, our Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning professionals can provide assistance. Give us a call at 308-624-3485 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling options.