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

But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy professionals so you can select the best temperature for your loved ones.

Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Long Island.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and exterior temperatures, your utility bills will be larger.

These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are ways you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioner going constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cool air where it should be—indoors. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give extra insulation and better energy savings.

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

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable at first glance, try doing a test for about a week. Start by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually decrease it while adhering to the tips above. You could be shocked at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning on all day while your residence is vacant. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t effective and often produces a higher air conditioner expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your settings in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a convenient remedy, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for many families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, due to your clothing and blanket preference.

We advise trying an equivalent test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and progressively turning it down to determine the right temperature for your family. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than operating the air conditioning.

More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer

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

  1. Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electricity costs low.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working properly and could help it work at greater efficiency. It can also help prolong its life cycle, since it helps technicians to find small troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and raise your electrical.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort troubles in your home, like 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 within your home.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with Airmax Long Island

If you need to save more energy during hot weather, our Airmax Long Island pros can assist you. Reach us at 631-737-5566 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling options.