You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant temp during warm days.

But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We discuss advice from energy specialists so you can find the best temperature for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outside warmth, your cooling costs 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 appears hot, there are approaches you can keep your home cool without having the AC going frequently.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer extra 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 compromising comfort. That’s because they refresh by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too hot at first glance, try doing an experiment for about a week. Get started by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually turn it down while following the tips above. You might be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning working all day while your residence is unoccupied. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t effective and usually leads to a bigger air conditioner cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temp under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free resolution, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from nearly 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 suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, based on your PJ and blanket preference.

We recommend using an equivalent test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and gradually lowering it to locate the right setting for your residence. On pleasant nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable option than using the AC.

More Methods to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are added approaches you can save money on AC bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping electricity bills low.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating like it should and could help it work at greater efficiency. It may also help prolong its life cycle, since it allows pros to pinpoint small issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and increase your utility.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort troubles in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air within your home.

Save More Energy This Summer with West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services

If you are looking to save more energy during hot weather, our West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services pros can help. Give us a call at (616) 319-1436 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.