You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant temperature during warm days.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We review ideas from energy specialists so you can find the best setting for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and exterior warmth, your utility expenses will be bigger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are methods you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioning running constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cold air where it should be—within your home. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer added insulation and improved energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they refresh by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try running a test for about a week. Get started by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually lower it while using the advice above. You could be shocked at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning on all day while your residence is empty. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t effective and typically produces a more expensive electrical expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temperature in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a handy remedy, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We suggest following an equivalent test over a week, putting your temp higher and steadily turning it down to pick the right setting for your family. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than running the air conditioning.

More Ways to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are other approaches you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping electricity expenses small.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working properly and could help it work more efficiently. It can also help extend its life cycle, since it allows techs to pinpoint seemingly insignificant problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and raise your energy.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have adequate 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 inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort issues in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air within your home.

Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating

If you want to use less energy during warm weather, our Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating pros can help. Give us a call at (818) 727-9993 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling products.