You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at the right temperature during the summer.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy pros so you can determine the best temp for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outdoor temperatures, your utility expenses will be bigger.

These are our suggestions 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 house cool without having the air conditioning on all the time.

Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver added insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s because they freshen with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot on the surface, try running a test for about a week. Start by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily turn it down while using the ideas above. You might be astonished at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner working all day while your home is vacant. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t effective and typically results in a higher cooling expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temperature under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a handy resolution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, due to your PJ and blanket preference.

We suggest trying a comparable test over a week, setting your temp higher and steadily turning it down to pinpoint the best setting for your residence. On mild nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable option than operating the air conditioning.

More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are extra methods you can save money on energy bills throughout hot weather.

1. Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping AC bills low.
2. Schedule regular air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating like it should and may help it run at greater efficiency. It could also help prolong its life expectancy, since it allows techs to find little issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
3. Put in new air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too often, and raise your electrical.
4. Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have enough 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 checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort issues in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating

If you are looking to save more energy during warm weather, our Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating experts can help. Reach us at (818) 727-9993 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling options.