You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at the right temp during summer weather.

But what is the best setting, exactly? We discuss recommendations 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 Fort Lauderdale.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and outdoor temperatures, your cooling costs will be larger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are ways you can keep your residence refreshing without having the AC going frequently.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—inside. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer more insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

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

If 78 degrees still appears too hot at first glance, try running a trial for about a week. Start by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively turn it down while adhering to the suggestions above. You may be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner going all day while your house is unoccupied. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t useful and usually produces a higher electricity cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a handy remedy, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.

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

We advise using an equivalent test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and steadily turning it down to find the right temp for your residence. On mild nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the air conditioner.

More Ways to Save Energy This Summer

There are added ways you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping electricity costs low.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working properly and may help it work at better efficiency. It could also help prolong its life expectancy, since it helps technicians to pinpoint seemingly insignificant troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too often, and raise your electricity.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have adequate 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 checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort issues in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air within your home.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Solar Air Inc.

If you want to save more energy this summer, our Solar Air Inc. pros can provide assistance. Give us a call at 954-320-7398 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling options.