You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temp during summer weather.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We discuss advice from energy pros so you can find the best temperature for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outdoor temps, your electricity bills 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 appears too high, there are methods you can keep your residence cool without having the AC running all the time.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—indoors. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver extra insulation and better energy savings.

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

If 78 degrees still feels too warm on the surface, try conducting a trial for about a week. Get started by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively decrease it while using the advice above. You could be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

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

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t productive and typically leads to a more expensive cooling expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your settings under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a handy fix, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the best 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 suggests 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We recommend trying a comparable test over a week, setting your temperature higher and progressively decreasing it to pick the right temperature for your family. On cool nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than using the air conditioning.

More Methods to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are added methods you can save money on air conditioning 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. An updated air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electricity expenses small.
  2. Book regular air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running like it should and might help it operate at better efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life span, since it helps pros to spot little issues before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and raise your electricity.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort troubles in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air inside.

Use Less Energy This Summer with Solar Air Inc.

If you need to use less energy this summer, our Solar Air Inc. pros can assist you. Reach us at 954-320-7398 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.