You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at the right setting during muggy weather.

But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy experts so you can find the best setting for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outdoor warmth, your electrical costs will be higher.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are approaches you can keep your home refreshing without having the AC on all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give extra insulation and better energy conservation.

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

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable on the surface, try conducting a trial for approximately a week. Begin by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively turn it down while following the advice 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 conditioning running all day while your residence is empty. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t productive and usually produces a bigger electricity bill.

A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temperature in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free resolution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $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 regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.

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

We recommend trying a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and steadily decreasing it to pinpoint the best temp for your residence. On mild nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior idea than running the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

There are additional ways you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping AC costs down.
  2. Set regular air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running like it should and could help it work at greater efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it allows professionals to discover little problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too frequently, and increase your energy.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort issues in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air within your home.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Vogts Heating & Air

If you want to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Vogts Heating & Air specialists can provide assistance. Give us a call at 208-244-7042 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling options.