You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a refreshing setting during summer weather.

But what is the best setting, exactly? We review recommendations from energy specialists so you can find the best setting for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your AC expenses 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 methods you can keep your house pleasant without having the AC going frequently.

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

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too warm at first glance, try running an experiment for a week or so. Begin by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively decrease it while following the ideas above. You could be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner going all day while your residence is empty. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t useful and usually produces a more expensive AC bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you go.

If you want a hassle-free fix, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the biggest 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 recommends 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, based on your PJ and blanket preference.

We advise running a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and slowly lowering it to locate the right temp for your house. On cool nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior option than operating the air conditioner.

More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are additional ways you can save money on energy bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping cooling costs down.
  2. Schedule annual air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating like it should and might help it run at greater efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life span, since it enables pros to uncover small problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too much, and increase your electrical.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your house, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air within your home.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling

If you want to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling pros can assist you. Reach us at (815) 914-6197 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling products.