You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temperature during hot days.

But what is the best setting, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy professionals so you can choose the best temp for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outdoor warmth, your utility costs will be higher.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems warm, there are approaches you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioning going constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver extra insulation and improved energy conservation.

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 because they refresh with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too hot at first glance, try running a test for about a week. Get started by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively decrease it while adhering to the tips above. You might be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning working all day while your house is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t productive and typically results in a higher electricity bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temp in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you go.

If you need a convenient remedy, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for most families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that could be too cold, due to your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend running a similar test over a week, moving your temperature higher and gradually turning it down to pick the right setting for your family. On mild nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable option than using the AC.

More Methods to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are added methods you can spend less money on energy bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping cooling expenses down.
  2. Book annual air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working like it should and might help it operate at greater efficiency. It can also help prolong its life expectancy, since it allows technicians to discover seemingly insignificant problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too frequently, and drive up your utility.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air indoors.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with MPC Heating & Cooling

If you need to use less energy during warm weather, our MPC Heating & Cooling professionals can assist you. Get in touch with us at 308-470-5613 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.