You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at the right temp during muggy weather.

But what is the right temp, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy experts so you can choose the best setting for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and outside temperatures, your cooling expenses will be greater.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are methods you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner running all the time.

Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give extra insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s because they cool with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot initially, try conducting an experiment for approximately a week. Begin by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively lower it while using the tips above. You might be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC going all day while your home is unoccupied. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t effective and often produces a bigger AC cost.

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

If you need a convenient solution, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise using an equivalent test over a week, setting your temperature higher and slowly decreasing it to pick the best temperature for your house. On pleasant nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior solution than operating the air conditioning.

More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are other approaches you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping utility costs low.
  2. Book annual air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running properly and may help it work at greater efficiency. It could also help extend its life span, since it helps techs to spot small troubles before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too often, and drive up your electrical.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort troubles in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air inside.

Use Less Energy This Summer with Airtech Cooling & Heating

If you want to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Airtech Cooling & Heating specialists can assist you. Reach us at 941-377-7956 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling options.