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Summer brings sunshine, family cookouts—and sweltering heat. When the mercury rises, your thermostat becomes more than a temperature dial; it’s the front line of your comfort, energy savings, and even your air conditioner’s longevity. At Edelman, we’re here to share expert-backed thermostat strategies to help you beat the heat without breaking the bank—or your air conditioning in Champaign, IL.
Set It and Save
One of the best ways to stay cool while keeping costs down is by setting your thermostat to a consistent, energy-efficient temperature. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping your home at 78°F when you’re home and awake. When you’re asleep or away, raise the temperature by 7-10 degrees to reduce cooling costs by up to 10% per year.
Avoid the temptation to drastically lower the thermostat when you come inside from the heat. Doing so won’t cool your home any faster—instead, it can force your air conditioner to run longer than necessary, wasting energy and causing wear on the system.
Use a Smart Thermostat for Smarter Comfort
At Edelman, we highly recommend upgrading to a smart thermostat. These devices learn your preferences, automate temperature changes, and allow remote access via smartphone apps. Whether you’re at work, on vacation, or running errands, you can adjust your settings on the go.
Some of the best models even use geofencing to know when you’re coming home, so the house is cool when you arrive. Others track humidity levels or local weather forecasts to make more efficient adjustments. Smart thermostats aren’t just convenient—they’re an investment in energy efficiency.
We often install trusted models like the ecobee SmartThermostat and the Nest Learning Thermostat for our customers in Champaign and surrounding areas. These units not only reduce your energy bills but also help extend the life of your AC by reducing unnecessary run time.
Avoid Frequent Adjustments
Frequently changing the thermostat setting can force your system to cycle on and off more than necessary, which stresses your equipment and leads to higher utility bills. Instead, choose a schedule and stick to it—or let your smart thermostat manage adjustments automatically.
If you still use a manual thermostat, consider setting daily temperature ranges and using ceiling fans to circulate air. Fans don’t cool the air, but they help make rooms feel cooler so you can comfortably raise the thermostat by a few degrees.
Don’t Overwork Your AC
Pushing your AC too hard on the hottest days of the year can cause it to overheat or even break down. One strategy is to pre-cool your home in the early morning before temperatures spike, then raise the thermostat a bit in the afternoon to reduce load during peak heat.
Also, remember to keep windows covered with shades or curtains during the day to reduce solar heat gain. Small changes like this go a long way toward helping your AC work smarter, not harder.
Let Edelman Help You Stay Cool and Efficient
At Edelman, we know every home is different, and so are your cooling needs. Our HVAC experts can help you choose and install the right smart thermostat, optimize your thermostat settings, and make sure your AC system is operating at peak performance. If you haven’t scheduled your seasonal maintenance yet, now’s the time. Preventative service helps avoid breakdowns and ensures your system is ready for whatever the Illinois summer throws your way.