You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at the right temperature during warm days.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy professionals so you can determine the best temp for your house.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Newton.
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 indoor and exterior warmth, your cooling 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 sounds warm, there are approaches you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioner on constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer more insulation and better energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable initially, try conducting a trial for about a week. Start by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while following the suggestions above. You might be surprised at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC going all day while your house is unoccupied. Switching the temp 7¬¬–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity bills, 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 effective and typically leads to a higher electricity expense.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temperature in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a convenient solution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise following an equivalent test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and steadily decreasing it to select the right temp for your house. On cool nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior solution than using the AC.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are extra methods you can save money on energy bills throughout the summer.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electrical
bills down. - Set yearly AC tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running properly and might help it operate more efficiently. It might also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it enables professionals to spot small troubles before they create an expensive meltdown.
- Put in new air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and raise your energy
bills. - Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort problems in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.
Use Less Energy This Summer with Brookwood Inc
If you want to use less energy during warm weather, our Brookwood Inc professionals can help. Reach us at 641-316-9803 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-conserving cooling solutions.