You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing setting during the summer.

But what is the right temp, exactly? We review advice from energy experts so you can find the best temp for your home.

Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Shamokin and Sunbury.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outside warmth, your electricity bills will be bigger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are ways you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioner running all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—inside. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give extra insulation and enhanced energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they freshen with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too hot initially, try doing a test for approximately a week. Start by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily turn it down while using the suggestions above. You could be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC on all day while your house is empty. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t effective and often results in a more expensive cooling bill.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temp in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you take off.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free solution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.

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

We advise following a similar test over a week, setting your temperature higher and gradually decreasing it to choose the ideal setting for your residence. On cool nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable option than operating the air conditioner.

More Ways to Save Energy This Summer

There are added approaches you can save money on air conditioning bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC 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 more comfortable while keeping AC expenses small.
  2. Book regular air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and could help it operate more efficiently. It may also help prolong its life cycle, since it helps pros to find small troubles before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and increase your utility.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air indoors.

Use Less Energy This Summer with LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc.

If you are looking to use less energy this summer, our LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. pros can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 570-648-0748 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling products.