You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing setting during hot days.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy professionals so you can choose the best temperature for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and exterior temperatures, your electrical expenses will be bigger.

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 approaches you can keep your house cool without having the AC on frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer added insulation and improved energy efficiency.

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

If 78 degrees still feels too hot on the surface, try running an experiment for about a week. Begin by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually lower it while following the advice above. You might be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning on all day while your residence is vacant. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t productive and usually produces a higher electricity cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a hassle-free resolution, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of installing 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 suggests 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, based on your clothing and blanket preference.

We recommend following an equivalent test over a week, setting your temperature higher and steadily lowering it to determine the best setting for your family. On pleasant nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better option than running the AC.

More Ways to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

There are extra ways you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping cooling expenses small.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running properly and may help it work at better efficiency. It may also help extend its life cycle, since it allows techs to uncover seemingly insignificant problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too often, and increase your cooling.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 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 need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort troubles in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air indoors.

Save More Energy This Summer with Paniccia Heating & Cooling

If you are looking to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Paniccia Heating & Cooling specialists can assist you. Reach us at 219-872-2198 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling products.