You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temperature during muggy weather.

But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We review suggestions from energy pros so you can choose the best setting 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 families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your utility bills will be greater.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are ways you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioner on all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cold air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer added insulation and better energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable on the surface, try doing a test for about a week. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the advice above. You could be shocked at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner going all day while your residence is empty. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and typically leads to a higher cooling cost.

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

If you’re looking for a convenient resolution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.

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

We advise running a similar test over a week, setting your temp higher and slowly turning it down to choose the right temperature for your house. On pleasant nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the air conditioner.

More Methods to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are additional methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping energy costs small.
  2. Set regular air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working properly and may help it work at better efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life span, since it enables pros to pinpoint seemingly insignificant issues before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too much, and drive up your energy.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort troubles in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air indoors.

Save More Energy This Summer with MPC Heating & Cooling

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