You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a pleasant temp during summer weather.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy experts so you can find the best temperature for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and exterior warmth, your electrical costs will be bigger.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are ways you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioning going all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cold air where it should be—within your home. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give extra insulation and better energy savings.

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

If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable on the surface, try conducting a test for a week or so. Start by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily lower it while following the ideas above. You may be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner running all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t useful and often produces a bigger AC cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your settings 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 go.

If you need a hassle-free solution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

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

We advise using a comparable test over a week, putting your temp higher and steadily decreasing it to choose the best temp for your family. On pleasant nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than running the AC.

More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer

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

  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 residence comfier while keeping electricity expenses low.
  2. Schedule regular air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working smoothly and might help it run at greater efficiency. It may also help prolong its life expectancy, since it helps pros to pinpoint seemingly insignificant issues before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too frequently, and increase your utility.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have proper 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 loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort issues in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air within your home.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with Vogts Heating & Air

If you are looking to save more energy this summer, our Vogts Heating & Air experts can help. Reach us at 208-621-0129 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling options.