You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at the right temp during warm days.

But what is the best temp, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy professionals so you can select the best setting for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outside temps, your utility costs will be higher.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are methods you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioner on all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver extra insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable at first glance, try running a test for approximately a week. Get started by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually decrease it while using the advice above. You may be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning on all day while your house is vacant. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and usually produces a higher electrical expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temperature in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a convenient remedy, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that may be too cool, due to your PJ and blanket preference.

We recommend running a similar test over a week, moving your temperature higher and gradually turning it down to select the best temperature for your house. On mild nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better solution than operating the air conditioning.

More Methods to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are other approaches you can conserve money on utility bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping energy bills low.
  2. Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and may help it work at greater efficiency. It may also help extend its life expectancy, since it allows professionals to uncover small problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your energy.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many 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 conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort troubles in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air within your home.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services

If you want to save more energy during hot weather, our West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services specialists can provide assistance. Give us a call at 616-971-6428 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling products.