You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a pleasant setting during the summer.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy professionals so you can find 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 households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and exterior temps, your electricity expenses will be higher.

These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are ways you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioning going frequently.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give extra insulation and better energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s since they refresh with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try doing a trial for approximately a week. Begin by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually lower it while following the advice above. You may be astonished at how cool you feel at a hotter 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 temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and often results in a higher electricity cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temperature in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a hassle-free remedy, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We suggest trying a similar test over a week, setting your temperature higher and progressively decreasing it to pinpoint the best temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable option than operating the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

There are added methods you can conserve money on air conditioning bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping utility bills small.
  2. Book regular air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating properly and may help it work at better efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it allows pros to discover seemingly insignificant issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too often, and increase 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 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 cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort issues in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air inside.

Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Home Furniture, Plumbing & Heating

If you are looking to use less energy during warm weather, our Home Furniture, Plumbing & Heating pros can help. Get in touch with us at 815-933-8213 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.