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

But what is the right setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy experts so you can determine the best temperature for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and exterior temps, your electrical bills will be higher.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are approaches you can keep your residence cool without having the AC running constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—inside. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide extra insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too warm on the surface, try doing a test for a week or so. Get started by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily lower it while following the advice above. You may be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning going all day while your house is vacant. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t effective and typically produces a higher cooling bill.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a handy remedy, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust 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. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We suggest running an equivalent test over a week, putting your temperature higher and steadily lowering it to find the ideal temperature for your house. On mild nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior option than operating the air conditioner.

More Ways to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are extra ways you can save money on utility bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping cooling bills low.
  2. Book regular air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working smoothly and could help it work more efficiently. It might also help extend its life expectancy, since it allows pros to pinpoint seemingly insignificant issues before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and increase your electricity.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort troubles in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air inside.

Use Less Energy This Summer with Durable Service

If you want to conserve more energy this summer, our Durable Service professionals can provide assistance. Give us a call at 308-995-8177 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling options.