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

But what is the best temp, exactly? We review recommendations from energy specialists so you can find the best setting for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and exterior warmth, your electricity costs will be greater.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are approaches you can keep your house pleasant without having the AC running all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—within your home. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver extra insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

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

If 78 degrees still feels too hot initially, try running a trial for approximately a week. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the tips above. You might be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

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

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t useful and typically produces a higher electrical expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temperature in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a handy solution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the best 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 keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, due to your PJ and blanket preference.

We recommend running an equivalent test over a week, moving your temperature higher and progressively turning it down to find the right setting for your house. On mild nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the air conditioning.

More Methods to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra methods you can spend less money on AC bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping cooling bills small.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running properly and could help it work at greater efficiency. It can also help extend its life expectancy, since it allows pros to pinpoint seemingly insignificant problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too often, and raise your energy.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort problems in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air inside.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Brandywine Heating & Air

If you are looking to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Brandywine Heating & Air specialists can assist you. Get in touch with us at 302-261-3596 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.