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

But what is the best temp, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy pros so you can choose the best temperature for your family.

Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Athol & Sandpoint.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outside temps, your electricity bills will be greater.

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 methods you can keep your house pleasant without having the AC going frequently.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cold air where it should be—inside. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver more insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

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

If 78 degrees still appears too warm at first glance, try doing an experiment for a week or so. Get started by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually decrease it while following the tips above. You might be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

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

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t productive and often leads to a bigger air conditioner bill.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temperature controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.

If you’re looking for a handy solution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.

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

We recommend trying a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and steadily turning it down to choose the ideal setting for your family. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better option than using the AC.

More Approaches to Save Energy This Summer

There are additional approaches you can conserve money on air conditioning bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electrical expenses down.
  2. Book annual air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running properly and could help it work at better efficiency. It might also help extend its life span, since it enables professionals to spot seemingly insignificant issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too frequently, and raise your utility.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort troubles in your house, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air within your home.

Save More Energy This Summer with Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling

If you need to use less energy during hot weather, our Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 208-561-1226 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.