You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant temperature during the summer.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We review advice from energy pros so you can select the best temp for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your electrical costs will be larger.

These are our recommendations 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 house pleasant without having the air conditioner going all the time.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—within your home. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give extra insulation and improved energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm at first glance, try doing a test for a week or so. Start by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively decrease it while using the advice above. You might 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 empty. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t productive and often leads to a higher AC cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temperature in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move 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 knows when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your clothing and blanket preference.

We recommend following a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and slowly lowering it to select the right temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than operating the air conditioning.

More Ways to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are additional approaches you can save money on energy bills throughout the summer.

  1. Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping utility bills small.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and might help it work at greater efficiency. It could also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it enables technicians to uncover seemingly insignificant troubles before they lead to 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 switch on and off too often, and drive up your electricity.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort troubles in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air within your home.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with MPC Heating & Cooling

If you need to save more energy during hot weather, our MPC Heating & Cooling specialists can provide assistance. Reach us at 308-832-4321 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.