You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant temp during the summer.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy pros so you can find the best temp for your residence.
Here’s what we suggest 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 inside and outdoor warmth, your cooling costs 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 seems warm, there are methods you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioning on frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver added insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot at first glance, try conducting a trial for a week or so. Start by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while adhering to the tips above. You might be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning going all day while your home is vacant. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t effective and typically results in a higher AC cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you go.
If you want a handy resolution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of getting 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 may be unpleasant for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest trying an equivalent test over a week, setting your temperature higher and gradually turning it down to find the ideal setting for your residence. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable option than running the AC.
More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are added methods you can spend less money on utility bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electrical bills low.
- Book yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating smoothly and might help it run more efficiently. It might also help extend its life cycle, since it allows professionals to spot little issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too often, and increase your energy.
- Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air within your home.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Brookwood Inc
If you are looking to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Brookwood Inc pros can provide assistance. Reach us at 641-316-9803 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling products.
