You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temp during summer weather.

But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy specialists so you can select the best temperature for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outdoor temperatures, your cooling bills will be higher.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are ways you can keep your residence refreshing without having the AC on constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer more insulation and improved energy savings.

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

If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable at first glance, try conducting a test for approximately a week. Begin by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily turn it down while adhering to the suggestions above. You could be surprised at how cool 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 residence is vacant. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a bigger air conditioner cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temperature in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a convenient resolution, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

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

We suggest following a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and slowly lowering it to pinpoint the right temperature for your residence. On mild nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable option than running the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are extra approaches you can spend less money on air conditioning bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electricity costs low.
  2. Book regular air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working properly and could help it run at greater efficiency. It can also help extend its life span, since it helps technicians to uncover small troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and drive up your energy.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 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 seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air indoors.

Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Retro HVAC Service & Installation

If you want to save more energy during hot weather, our Retro HVAC Service & Installation professionals can help. Reach us at 267-277-3851 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling options.