You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing temp during summer weather.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We go over ideas from energy pros so you can select the best setting for your loved ones.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Alliance.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outside temperatures, your electrical expenses will be higher.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioner running frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cold air where it should be—indoors. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver more insulation and enhanced energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot initially, try conducting a trial for about a week. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily decrease it while adhering to the suggestions above. You could be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning working all day while your home is vacant. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t effective and typically leads to a more expensive AC expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your settings controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a convenient fix, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for most families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest running a similar test over a week, setting your temperature higher and gradually lowering it to select the ideal temp for your residence. On cool nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior solution than operating the AC.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are added ways you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping electricity costs down.
- Schedule annual air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working smoothly and may help it operate at greater efficiency. It might also help prolong its life cycle, since it allows technicians to find seemingly insignificant troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Change air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and increase your cooling.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort problems in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces
If you need to save more energy during hot weather, our Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces experts can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 308-762-1613 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling options.