You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at the right temp during the summer.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We review recommendations from energy specialists so you can choose the best temp for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outside temps, your cooling 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 cool without having the AC running frequently.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—within your home. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give added insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

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

If 78 degrees still feels too warm initially, try running a test for about a week. Get started by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the advice above. You could be astonished at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC running all day while your residence is empty. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and often leads to a bigger electrical cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temperature under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a hassle-free resolution, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re out. 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 advantage 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 unbearable for most families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, due to your PJ and blanket preference.

We suggest using an equivalent test over a week, setting your temp higher and steadily decreasing it to find the ideal setting for your house. On cool nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better option than using the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Save Energy During Warm Weather

There are other methods you can conserve money on utility bills throughout the summer.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping electricity expenses small.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and might help it work more efficiently. It could also help lengthen its life span, since it enables technicians to uncover seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and increase your utility.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many 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 result in major comfort problems in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air within your home.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling

If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling professionals can assist you. Give us a call at (815) 914-6197 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling options.