You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant temperature during summer weather.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We review ideas from energy specialists so you can select the best setting for your house.

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

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 inside and exterior temps, your electricity costs will be greater.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems warm, there are ways you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioner going all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver added insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they cool by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable at first glance, try running an experiment for about a week. Start by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually turn it down while following the ideas above. You could be surprised at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning on all day while your residence is vacant. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees higher 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 below 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t useful and usually leads to a more expensive electrical bill.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temperature in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.

If you’re looking for a convenient solution, consider 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 instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that may be too cold, based on your PJ and blanket preference.

We recommend trying a comparable test over a week, putting your temperature higher and gradually turning it down to find the right setting for your house. On mild nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better option than running the air conditioning.

More Ways to Save Energy This Summer

There are added ways you can conserve money on utility bills throughout the summer.

  1. Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping utility expenses low.
  2. Schedule regular air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and may help it operate at greater efficiency. It can also help extend its life expectancy, since it helps pros to pinpoint small problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and drive up your electricity.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort problems in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air inside.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with A&A Air Conditioning, Heating & Sheet Metal

If you want to conserve more energy this summer, our A&A Air Conditioning, Heating & Sheet Metal professionals can assist you. Get in touch with us at 530-273-1301 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling options.