You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temperature during warm days.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy pros so you can select the best setting for your home.
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 interior and outside temps, your electricity 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 too high, there are methods you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioning on frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—inside. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer more insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s since they freshen by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try running a trial for a week or so. Start by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the tips above. You could be astonished at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning going all day while your house is unoccupied. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t effective and usually produces a more expensive air conditioner cost.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temperature controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.
If you want a convenient resolution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest using a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and slowly decreasing it to determine the right temp for your house. On mild nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the AC.
More Methods to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are extra ways you can save money on AC bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping cooling bills down.
- Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating like it should and may help it work at better efficiency. It might also help prolong its life expectancy, since it helps techs to discover small troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and raise your energy.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air inside.
Use Less Energy This Summer with Brookwood Inc
If you are looking to save more energy during warm weather, our Brookwood Inc pros can assist you. Reach us at 641-316-9803 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling options.
