You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at the right temperature during summer weather.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We review suggestions from energy professionals so you can choose the best temperature for your home.

Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Crystal and Twin Cities.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outdoor warmth, your cooling expenses will be bigger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are approaches you can keep your residence pleasant without having the AC going constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver added insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they refresh through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too warm initially, try running a test for approximately a week. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually lower it while following the suggestions above. You might be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner working all day while your residence is empty. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t productive and often leads to a bigger cooling 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 move the set temperature when you leave.

If you’re looking for a handy fix, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that could be too cool, based on your PJ and blanket preference.

We recommend running a comparable test over a week, putting your temp higher and gradually decreasing it to locate the ideal temperature for your residence. On cool nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior solution than using the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are other methods you can spend less money on energy bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping electricity expenses down.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running like it should and may help it work more efficiently. It might also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables pros to discover seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and raise your electricity.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air indoors.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with GV Heating & Air

If you want to conserve more energy during warm weather, our GV Heating & Air experts can assist you. Get in touch with us at 763-535-2000 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling options.