You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a pleasant temperature during the summer.

But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over advice from energy experts so you can find the best setting for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and exterior temperatures, your cooling bills will be greater.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are approaches you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioner going all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—within your home. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver more insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try conducting 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 suggestions above. You might be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC on all day while your house is vacant. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t useful and usually produces a more expensive air conditioner expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a convenient fix, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for most families. Most 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 cold, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We suggest trying a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and slowly turning it down to pinpoint the best temp for your house. On pleasant nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior idea than using the air conditioning.

More Methods to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are added approaches you can save money on AC bills throughout the summer.

  1. Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping energy bills low.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating properly and could help it work more efficiently. It could also help prolong its life cycle, since it enables technicians to find small troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and drive up your cooling.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air inside.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co.

If you are looking to save more energy during hot weather, our Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. specialists can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 863-869-2587 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.