You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a pleasant setting during hot days.

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

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and exterior temperatures, your electricity 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 appears warm, there are ways you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioner going all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer added insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot initially, try doing an experiment for a week or so. Get started by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily decrease it while adhering to the ideas above. You may be surprised at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC running all day while your residence is empty. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and typically produces a higher electrical cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your settings in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.

If you’re looking for a handy remedy, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that might be too cool, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.

We advise using an equivalent test over a week, putting your temp higher and gradually lowering it to pinpoint the ideal setting for your house. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than running the air conditioning.

More Ways to Save Energy During Warm Weather

There are additional methods you can spend less money on air conditioning bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping electricity bills low.
  2. Book annual air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating properly and could help it run at better efficiency. It can also help extend its life span, since it enables professionals to spot seemingly insignificant problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your utility.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort problems in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air indoors.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Custom Air Systems

If you want to save more energy during hot weather, our Custom Air Systems professionals can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at (203) 333-1906 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.