You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at the right temperature during the summer.

But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy specialists so you can choose the best temp for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outside temps, your AC 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 warm, there are ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioning on all the time.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—indoors. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give more insulation and better energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable at first glance, try conducting a test for a week or so. Start by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively turn it down while using the ideas above. You may be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC on all day while your home is empty. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t productive and typically results in a more expensive air conditioner expense.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your settings controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you go.

If you need a handy fix, think over 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 instinctively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for most families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.

We advise using a similar test over a week, setting your temperature higher and slowly turning it down to locate the right setting for your residence. On cool nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better option than running the air conditioner.

More Ways to Save Energy This Summer

There are other approaches you can conserve money on utility bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping cooling bills down.
  2. Schedule regular air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running like it should and may help it work more efficiently. It can also help extend its life span, since it helps professionals to spot little issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and raise your utility.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many 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 leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort troubles in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air inside.

Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning

If you are looking to save more energy this summer, our Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning pros can help. Get in touch with us at 402-509-5940 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling options.