You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing setting during hot days.

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

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and exterior temps, your cooling bills will be bigger.

These are our suggestions 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 pleasant without having the AC going frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide more insulation and better energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they cool through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try doing a trial for a week or so. Get started by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily turn it down while adhering to the suggestions above. You may be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner going all day while your house is vacant. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t effective and often produces a higher electrical cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you go.

If you’re looking for a handy fix, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that may be too chilly, based on your PJ and blanket preference.

We suggest following a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and gradually turning it down to determine the right temp for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable option than operating the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra methods you can spend less money on energy bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping utility costs low.
  2. Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working like it should and could help it work at better efficiency. It can also help prolong its life span, since it helps pros to find seemingly insignificant troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too much, and raise your utility.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort troubles in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air within your home.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Ambience HVAC, Inc.

If you need to use less energy this summer, our Ambience HVAC, Inc. professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 302-239-HVAC (4822) or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling products.