You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a refreshing temperature during summer weather.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy pros so you can find the best temp for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and exterior warmth, your electricity expenses will be greater.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds hot, there are approaches you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioner running constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide added insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they refresh through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable at first glance, try running an experiment for approximately a week. Get started by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while using the suggestions above. You could be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning running all day while your home is vacant. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and usually produces a more expensive electricity cost.

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

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

Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.

We advise using a similar test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and gradually decreasing it to choose the right temp for your residence. On cool nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior solution than running the air conditioning.

More Ways to Save Energy This Summer

There are extra ways you can save money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning 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 cooler while keeping AC bills small.
  2. Schedule annual air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working like it should and might help it work at greater efficiency. It may also help extend its life cycle, since it helps techs to discover small problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and raise your utility.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the USA 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 inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort troubles in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air indoors.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with Age Heating & Cooling

If you are looking to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Age Heating & Cooling professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 208-603-2210 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.