You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a pleasant temperature during the summer.

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

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and exterior warmth, your AC 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 sounds hot, there are approaches you can keep your house cool without having the AC running frequently.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—indoors. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer more insulation and enhanced energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s because they cool by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too warm initially, try doing a test for approximately a week. Begin by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually lower it while adhering to the suggestions above. You might be surprised at how comfortable 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. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.

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

A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a handy fix, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of having 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 recommends 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We suggest trying a comparable test over a week, setting your temp higher and gradually turning it down to find the ideal temp for your house. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior option than using the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Save Energy During Warm Weather

There are other approaches you can conserve money on AC bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping cooling expenses low.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working properly and may help it run at better efficiency. It may also help prolong its life expectancy, since it allows professionals to pinpoint small problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too often, and increase your cooling.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the USA don’t have enough 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 come apart over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air indoors.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Fire & Ice HVAC

If you need to use less energy during hot weather, our Fire & Ice HVAC specialists can help. Get in touch with us at 703-595-4157 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling options.