You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a pleasant setting during summer weather.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy professionals so you can choose the best temperature for your home.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Plover.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your electricity bills 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 approaches you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioning on constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—within your home. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver more insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they refresh by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm at first glance, try running a test for approximately a week. Start by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily turn it down while adhering to the ideas above. You may be amazed at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner going all day while your home is unoccupied. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t effective and often produces a more expensive cooling bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your settings controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.
If you want a handy solution, consider installing 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 adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest trying an equivalent test over a week, putting your temperature higher and slowly turning it down to pinpoint the right setting for your house. On mild nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than running the air conditioning.
More Ways to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional methods you can save money on AC bills throughout the summer.
- Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping energy bills down.
- Book regular air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and might help it work more efficiently. It might also help extend its life span, since it enables techs to spot seemingly insignificant problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too often, and raise your utility.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort troubles in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air within your home.
Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Point Heating & Cooling
If you want to save more energy this summer, our Point Heating & Cooling pros can help. Reach us at 715-504-0533 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.