You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing temperature during warm days.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy experts so you can select the best setting for your residence.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Plover.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outside warmth, your cooling bills will be larger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the AC running all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—inside. Some window solutions, such as 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 move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s since they cool by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot at first glance, try conducting a test for about a week. Get started by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually lower it while adhering to the ideas above. You may be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner going all day while your residence is unoccupied. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a bigger electrical expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temperature in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a convenient resolution, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise trying a comparable test over a week, moving your temperature higher and slowly turning it down to select the right setting for your house. On mild nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior solution than operating the AC.
More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are other ways you can save money on air conditioning bills throughout warm weather.
- Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping energy costs small.
- Schedule annual air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating like it should and may help it run at better efficiency. It can also help extend its life expectancy, since it helps pros to spot seemingly insignificant problems before they create a major meltdown.
- Change air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too often, and increase your electrical.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort troubles in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air indoors.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Point Heating & Cooling
If you need to use less energy during warm weather, our Point Heating & Cooling professionals can assist you. Reach us at 715-504-0533 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.