You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a refreshing temp during the summer.

But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy experts so you can find the best temp for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and exterior temperatures, your AC costs 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 hot, there are approaches you can keep your residence refreshing without having the AC running all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cool air where it should be—inside. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give more insulation and better energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too warm at first glance, try conducting a test for about a week. Start by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily turn it down while using the advice above. You may be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning working all day while your residence is vacant. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t useful and often leads to a more expensive electricity cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your settings controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a hassle-free fix, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the best 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 monitor and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

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

We suggest following a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and slowly decreasing it to determine the best temperature for your house. On cool nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior idea than using the AC.

More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra methods you can conserve money on AC bills throughout the summer.

  1. Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electricity bills down.
  2. Set regular air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working properly and could help it run at better efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it enables techs to find small problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and drive up your electricity.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort issues in your house, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air indoors.

Save More Energy This Summer with The Frazier Company

If you are looking to save more energy during hot weather, our The Frazier Company professionals can assist you. Reach us at 402-581-9502 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling products.