You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at the right setting during the summer.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy experts so you can choose the best temperature for your loved ones.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Swanton.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your utility costs will be larger.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are ways you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner on all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cool air where it should be—inside. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer more insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm at first glance, try doing a test for a week or so. Get started by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily lower it while adhering to the ideas above. You might be astonished at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner running all day while your home is empty. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t effective and often leads to a higher cooling cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful 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 move the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free remedy, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of having 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 recommends 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise following an equivalent test over a week, moving your temp higher and gradually decreasing it to determine the ideal temp for your residence. On mild nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior idea than using the AC.
More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are additional ways you can save money on AC bills throughout warm weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping AC costs down.
- Book regular air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working properly and might help it run at greater efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life span, since it enables pros to find seemingly insignificant troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and increase your energy.
- Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort troubles in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air inside.
Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Northwest Services
If you are looking to use less energy this summer, our Northwest Services professionals can assist you. Reach us at 419-548-5017 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling products.