You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at the right temperature during hot days.

But what is the best temp, exactly? We go over ideas from energy specialists so you can determine the best temp for your house.

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

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 inside and exterior warmth, your utility expenses will be larger.

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 ways you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioner going all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—inside. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide extra insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they cool with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable at first glance, try running a trial for about a week. Get started by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually turn it down while following the tips above. You might be astonished at how comfortable 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 empty. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t useful and usually leads to a more expensive electrical bill.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your settings under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.

If you want a hassle-free solution, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

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

We advise running an equivalent test over a week, moving your temperature higher and progressively decreasing it to pinpoint the ideal temperature for your house. On mild nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable option than operating the air conditioning.

More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are additional methods you can save money on AC bills throughout the summer.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electrical costs down.
  2. Set annual air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and may help it run more efficiently. It may also help prolong its life expectancy, since it allows technicians to spot little troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and drive up your electrical.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort troubles in your house, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Controlled Comfort HVAC

If you want to conserve more energy this summer, our Controlled Comfort HVAC professionals can assist you. Give us a call at 224-412-8308 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling options.