You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at the right temp during summer weather.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy specialists so you can select the best temperature for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outside temps, your utility costs will be greater.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are ways you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioner running all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cold air where it should be—indoors. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide added insulation and improved energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try running a trial for about a week. Start by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively decrease it while following the suggestions above. You could 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 house is empty. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and typically produces a bigger electricity bill.

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

If you need a hassle-free fix, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly 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 change temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We advise running a comparable test over a week, putting your temp higher and progressively turning it down to pinpoint the best temp for your family. On pleasant nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better solution than using the AC.

More Ways to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

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

  1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning 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 home more comfortable while keeping cooling bills down.
  2. Set regular air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running properly and could help it operate more efficiently. It can also help extend its life span, since it allows technicians to spot seemingly insignificant troubles before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and increase your electricity.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air inside.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc.

If you want to save more energy during hot weather, our LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. experts can help. Give us a call at 570-648-0748 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling options.