You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant temperature during muggy weather.

But what is the right temp, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy specialists so you can find the best temperature for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and outside temps, your utility expenses will be larger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are methods you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner running all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—inside. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer more insulation and better energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s since they freshen with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm at first glance, try running a test for approximately a week. Start by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily decrease it while adhering to the tips above. You might be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning running all day while your residence is vacant. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t effective and usually produces a bigger cooling cost.

A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your settings controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a handy fix, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for most 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, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise using a comparable test over a week, moving your temperature higher and slowly lowering it to pick the best temperature for your family. On pleasant nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than using the air conditioner.

More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra methods you can conserve money on utility bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping cooling expenses down.
  2. Set regular air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working smoothly and could help it run at better efficiency. It might also help prolong its life span, since it enables technicians to spot small troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and raise your electricity.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort problems in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air within your home.

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

If you need to use less energy this summer, our Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning pros can help. Give us a call at 303-452-4146 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling products.