You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing temp during summer weather.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy pros so you can find the best temperature for your home.

Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Boynton Beach.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and exterior warmth, your electrical expenses 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 appears hot, there are methods you can keep your house cool without having the AC running constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver extra insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try conducting a test for about a week. Get started by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively decrease it while adhering to the tips above. You might be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner going all day while your house is vacant. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t productive and often leads to a bigger air conditioner expense.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your settings under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you go.

If you need a convenient resolution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant 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 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.

We suggest running a comparable test over a week, putting your temperature higher and slowly turning it down to select the right temp for your family. On mild nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the air conditioner.

More Methods to Save Energy This Summer

There are extra methods you can save money on energy bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping utility costs down.
  2. Schedule annual air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and could help it operate at greater efficiency. It may also help prolong its life cycle, since it allows techs to discover small issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your electrical.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort troubles in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air indoors.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with A2Z Air Inc

If you want to conserve more energy during hot weather, our A2Z Air Inc specialists can help. Get in touch with us at 561-892-1768 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.