You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a refreshing temp during hot days.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We go over advice from energy specialists so you can choose the best temp for your residence.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Newton.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outside temps, your cooling bills will be bigger.
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 methods you can keep your residence pleasant without having the AC running frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—indoors. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give added insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm on the surface, try doing a trial for approximately a week. Begin by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily lower it while following the advice above. You may be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC going all day while your home is vacant. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t productive and typically leads to a more expensive electricity expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your settings controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a handy resolution, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for most families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest running an equivalent test over a week, moving your temperature higher and progressively turning it down to determine the best setting for your family. On cool nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the air conditioner.
More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are extra approaches you can save money on utility bills throughout warm weather.
- Get an energy-efficient AC 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 more comfortable while keeping energy costs small.
- Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and might help it operate more efficiently. It can also help extend its life expectancy, since it enables technicians to uncover seemingly insignificant problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and raise your utility.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort issues in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.
Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Brookwood Inc
If you need to use less energy during hot weather, our Brookwood Inc experts can provide assistance. Give us a call at 641-693-6216 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling options.
