You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant temp during hot days.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy professionals so you can determine the best temperature for your residence.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Ellsworth.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your utility costs will be greater.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are methods you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioning on all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give extra insulation and enhanced energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they cool with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot initially, try running a test for a week or so. Begin by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually turn it down while using the suggestions above. You might be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner running all day while your home is vacant. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t effective and usually results in a more expensive electrical cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temp under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a handy solution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for many families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest using a similar test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and steadily turning it down to determine the ideal temp for your family. On mild nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior solution than operating the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are additional methods you can spend less money on utility bills throughout hot weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping AC bills small.
- Book regular air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running properly and may help it run at better efficiency. It can also help prolong its life cycle, since it helps pros to discover little troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too much, and drive up your cooling.
- Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the USA don’t have adequate 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 examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort issues in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air within your home.
Save More Energy This Summer with Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC
If you want to save more energy during hot weather, our Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC experts can assist you. Get in touch with us at 715-603-4483 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.
