You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at the right setting during warm days.

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

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and outdoor temperatures, your cooling bills 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 seems too high, there are methods you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioning running constantly.

Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer added insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s because they cool through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable at first glance, try running an experiment for approximately a week. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while following the suggestions above. You may be amazed at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC on all day while your home is empty. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t useful and often produces a more expensive air conditioner bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temp controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free resolution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, due to your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend running an equivalent test over a week, setting your temp higher and steadily lowering it to locate the ideal temp for your house. On cool nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better solution than using the air conditioning.

More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer

There are additional ways you can save money on AC bills throughout the summer.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping utility costs small.
  2. Set annual air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working smoothly and may help it run at better efficiency. It can also help extend its life cycle, since it helps professionals to spot seemingly insignificant issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too frequently, and raise your utility.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air within your home.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Speedy Air Conditioning

If you want to save more energy this summer, our Speedy Air Conditioning specialists can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 239-244-3439 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling options.