You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temp during muggy weather.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy specialists so you can select the best temperature for your residence.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Alliance.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outside temperatures, your cooling bills will be larger.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are methods you can keep your house cool without having the AC going all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cool air where it should be—indoors. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give extra insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they cool through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot at first glance, try doing an experiment for about a week. Begin by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually decrease it while adhering to the ideas above. You may be amazed at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC working all day while your home is empty. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t effective and typically leads to a higher cooling expense.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temp under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a hassle-free fix, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that might be too cool, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise running a comparable test over a week, setting your temperature higher and steadily decreasing it to pinpoint the ideal temp for your house. On mild nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better option than operating the air conditioning.
More Methods to Save Energy During Hot Weather
There are additional ways you can conserve money on energy bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electrical costs low.
- Book regular air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and could help it work more efficiently. It could also help extend its life span, since it enables techs to discover little issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and drive up your electrical.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort problems in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air inside.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces
If you want to use less energy during hot weather, our Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces pros can provide assistance. Reach us at 308-762-1613 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling products.