You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant setting during summer weather.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We review recommendations from energy experts so you can find the best temp for your residence.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Plover.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outside warmth, your cooling bills will be higher.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are approaches you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioner running all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—indoors. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide added insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s since they freshen by a windchill effect. As 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 a trial for about a week. Start by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively decrease it while adhering to the ideas above. You could be surprised at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning going all day while your home is empty. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t useful and often produces a bigger electricity expense.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temperature under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.
If you want a handy remedy, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that could be too chilly, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest using a similar test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and gradually turning it down to locate the best temp for your family. On cool nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior solution than using the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are extra methods you can conserve money on air conditioning bills throughout warm weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping electrical bills small.
- Book annual air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating like it should and may help it run at greater efficiency. It might also help prolong its life span, since it helps pros to discover small problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and increase your cooling.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air inside.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Point Heating & Cooling
If you need to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Point Heating & Cooling specialists can provide assistance. Reach us at 715-814-9741 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling options.