You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing setting during hot days.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We review suggestions from energy specialists so you can determine the best temp for your house.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Swanton.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and exterior temps, your electricity bills will be bigger.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are methods you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioner running constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer added insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s since they cool through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try conducting an experiment for approximately a week. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while using the advice above. You could be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner running all day while your residence is vacant. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t effective and typically produces a more expensive cooling bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a hassle-free remedy, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of getting 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 suggests 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise following a comparable test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and gradually decreasing it to choose the best setting for your house. On mild nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better option than using the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are added methods you can conserve money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electrical costs low.
- Schedule regular air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working smoothly and could help it operate more efficiently. It may also help lengthen its life span, since it enables pros to find seemingly insignificant problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and raise your electrical.
- Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort problems in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.
Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Northwest Services
If you want to save more energy during hot weather, our Northwest Services pros can assist you. Give us a call at 419-548-5017 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.