You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant setting during hot days.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We discuss advice from energy professionals so you can determine the best temperature for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and exterior temperatures, your electricity expenses 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 seems hot, there are methods you can keep your home cool without having the AC on all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide added insulation and improved energy conservation.

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

If 78 degrees still feels too warm on the surface, try running a test for about a week. Get started by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily lower it while using the advice above. You may be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC running all day while your residence is unoccupied. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t effective and typically leads to a bigger electrical cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your settings controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a convenient resolution, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that could be too chilly, based on your clothing and blanket preference.

We advise following a comparable test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and gradually lowering it to select the best temperature for your family. On cool nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than operating the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are other approaches you can save money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electricity expenses small.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running smoothly and may help it work at greater efficiency. It can also help extend its life span, since it allows pros to find little troubles before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and raise your utility.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes 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 need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort problems in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air indoors.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with The Chilly Pig

If you need to save more energy during hot weather, our The Chilly Pig specialists can provide assistance. Give us a call at 321-205-1234 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling products.