You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at the right setting during the summer.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We review suggestions from energy specialists so you can choose the best temperature for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outdoor warmth, your electricity costs will be larger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are methods you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioner on frequently.

Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give more insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s since they refresh by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable at first glance, try running an experiment for about a week. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually turn it down while adhering to the suggestions above. You may be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner working all day while your home is unoccupied. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a more expensive cooling bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temperature under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a convenient resolution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, based on your clothing and blanket preference.

We suggest using an equivalent test over a week, setting your temperature higher and gradually lowering it to pinpoint the right setting for your house. On mild nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior idea than operating the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are added methods you can conserve money on AC bills throughout the summer.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping AC bills down.
  2. Set annual air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running smoothly and might help it work at greater efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life span, since it enables techs to spot small troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your cooling.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Fairfield Heating & Cooling

If you need to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Fairfield Heating & Cooling experts can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 740-331-4331 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling products.