You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at the right temperature during muggy weather.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We discuss advice from energy professionals so you can determine the best temp for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outdoor temperatures, your AC expenses will be higher.

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 methods you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioning on constantly.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—inside. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide added insulation and improved 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 by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable initially, try doing a trial for a week or so. Get started by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily lower it while using the ideas above. You could be shocked at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

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

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t useful and often produces a more expensive electricity bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temp controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a convenient resolution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of installing 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 may be unpleasant for most families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, due to your clothing and blanket preference.

We recommend using an equivalent test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and gradually decreasing it to choose the best temp for your residence. On cool nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than running the air conditioning.

More Ways to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are added ways you can save money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping energy bills down.
  2. Set regular air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working like it should and could help it work at better efficiency. It could also help extend its life cycle, since it allows pros to find little troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and drive up your energy.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort problems in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air within your home.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with Gilray Heating and Cooling

If you want to save more energy during hot weather, our Gilray Heating and Cooling specialists can provide assistance. Give us a call at 715-301-0727 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.