You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at the right temperature during hot days.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy specialists 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 Wausau.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outside temperatures, your AC costs 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 appears hot, there are approaches you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioning going all the time.

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

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too warm on the surface, try running a test for about a week. Begin by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively decrease it while adhering to the tips above. You could be surprised at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC going all day while your home is unoccupied. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and usually results in a bigger electricity bill.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a convenient fix, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that may be too chilly, based on your clothing and blanket preference.

We recommend following a comparable test over a week, moving your temp higher and steadily lowering it to determine the ideal temperature for your house. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior option than running the air conditioning.

More Ways to Save Energy During Hot Weather

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

  1. Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping electrical expenses down.
  2. Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working smoothly and might help it operate at better efficiency. It might also help prolong its life span, since it helps techs to spot small troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too often, and increase your electrical.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort troubles in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air within your home.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Gilray Heating and Cooling

If you are looking to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Gilray Heating and Cooling experts can help. Get in touch with us at 715-515-7221 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.