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

But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy specialists so you can choose the best temperature for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your electrical 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 approaches you can keep your house refreshing without having the AC on all the time.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give extra insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s since they refresh through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable initially, try doing a trial for about a week. Get started by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually turn it down while using the ideas above. You could be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC on all day while your residence is empty. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t productive and often leads to a more expensive AC bill.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temperature in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a hassle-free resolution, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We advise running a similar test over a week, setting your temperature higher and steadily decreasing it to choose the right temperature for your residence. On mild nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better solution than operating the air conditioning.

More Ways to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are added methods you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping energy expenses small.
  2. Schedule annual air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating properly and might help it work more efficiently. It can also help extend its life expectancy, since it helps techs to find seemingly insignificant issues before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and increase your utility.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the United States 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 checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air indoors.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with The Frazier Company

If you want to use less energy this summer, our The Frazier Company professionals can assist you. Get in touch with us at 402-628-0206 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling products.