You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at the right temperature during the summer.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy professionals so you can select the best setting for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outdoor warmth, your cooling bills 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 appears warm, there are ways you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioning on frequently.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver extra insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s since they freshen with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too hot initially, try running an experiment for a week or so. Start by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually decrease it while following the tips above. You may be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

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

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t useful and typically produces a more expensive cooling bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temp controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a hassle-free remedy, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.

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

We recommend trying an equivalent test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and progressively turning it down to pinpoint the ideal temperature for your house. On mild nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra methods you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping utility costs down.
  2. Book regular air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working smoothly and could help it work at better efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it enables pros to spot small issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too often, and increase your electrical.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort issues in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air indoors.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with Vogts Heating & Air

If you need to use less energy during hot weather, our Vogts Heating & Air experts can help. Get in touch with us at 208-621-0129 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling products.