Energy Star released a new report last month on the best settings for your central air conditioner so you can cool your house as energy-efficient as possible. They suggest:
- 78° F when you're home and awake
- 85° F when you're at work or away
- 82° F when you're sleeping
While they say these are just a starting point, for each degree you raise your temperature, you'll save around 3% on your utility bill. So the better you can stand the heat, the better control you have of over your utility bill.
Energy Star also suggests installing a programmable or smart thermostat. Some smart thermostats can even learn your schedule and make the necessary temperature changes automatically.
I can see letting the temperature rise while you're not home. But, 82° during sleep. NOPE.
Read more on consumerreports.com, including other tips to beat the heat.
Thumbnail courtesy of Getty Images.