You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at the right setting during warm days.

But what is the best setting, exactly? We review recommendations from energy pros so you can choose the best setting for your home.

Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Vero Beach.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outside warmth, your utility bills will be greater.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds hot, there are ways you can keep your house cool without having the AC running all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cold air where it should be—inside. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver more insulation and improved energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they cool by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too hot on the surface, try doing an experiment for a week or so. Begin by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually decrease it while following the advice above. You might be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC going all day while your home is vacant. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity costs, 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 effective and typically leads to a more expensive cooling cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free fix, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that may be too chilly, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We recommend using a comparable test over a week, moving your temperature higher and steadily lowering it to determine the ideal temp for your house. On mild nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than using the AC.

More Methods to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are additional approaches you can save money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electricity expenses low.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running properly and may help it operate at better efficiency. It could also help extend its life cycle, since it enables professionals to pinpoint small problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too often, and raise your cooling.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of 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 seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort issues in your house, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air within your home.

Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Temp Control of Vero Beach

If you want to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Temp Control of Vero Beach professionals can provide assistance. Give us a call at 772-356-0617 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.