You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant temp during muggy weather.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We review advice from energy pros so you can determine the best temp for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outdoor temperatures, your electricity expenses will be higher.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems warm, there are methods you can keep your residence cool without having the AC going constantly.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—within your home. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide more insulation and enhanced energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try running a trial for approximately a week. Get started by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually turn it down while adhering to the ideas above. You may be amazed at how comfortable 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 house is unoccupied. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t useful and typically produces a more expensive cooling expense.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temperature under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a handy resolution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $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 just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for many 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 might be too cool, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We suggest following a similar test over a week, moving your temperature higher and gradually decreasing it to determine the best temperature for your house. On mild nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the air conditioner.

More Methods to Use Less Energy This Summer

There are extra approaches you can conserve money on AC bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping electrical costs low.
  2. Set regular air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and could help it work more efficiently. It might also help prolong its life span, since it helps techs to uncover seemingly insignificant troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too frequently, and increase your energy.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most 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 leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort troubles in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air within your home.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with Home Furniture, Plumbing & Heating

If you want to conserve more energy this summer, our Home Furniture, Plumbing & Heating professionals can assist you. Give us a call at 815-933-8213 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.