
You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temp during hot days.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy experts so you can choose the best temperature for your home.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Naples.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outdoor temperatures, your utility costs will be larger.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are ways you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioning going frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer added insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s since they refresh through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try conducting an experiment for about a week. Get started by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while using the advice above. You may be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC running all day while your home is empty. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t productive and usually produces a more expensive air conditioner bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temp controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a handy fix, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for many families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest trying a comparable test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and gradually lowering it to select the ideal temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than operating the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are additional ways you can conserve money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping cooling costs small.
- Book annual air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating like it should and might help it work at greater efficiency. It could also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables pros to find small problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Change air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too much, and drive up your utility.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort problems in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air indoors.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Speedy Air Conditioning
If you want to save more energy during warm weather, our Speedy Air Conditioning experts can provide assistance. Give us a call at 239-244-3439 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.