You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temp during the summer.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We review ideas from energy pros so you can choose the best temperature for your home.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Mount Horeb.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your cooling costs will be greater.
These are our suggestions 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 house cool without having the air conditioner on frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide added insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they freshen with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm at first glance, try conducting a trial for about a week. Begin by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily lower it while following the suggestions above. You could be surprised at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning going all day while your house is unoccupied. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t effective and often leads to a more expensive cooling cost.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your settings in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you want a convenient fix, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on 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 cool, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We recommend using a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and slowly lowering it to determine the right temperature for your house. On mild nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than running the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are extra methods you can save money on utility bills throughout hot weather.
- Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping cooling expenses down.
- Set annual air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working like it should and may help it run at better efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it allows pros to find little problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and raise your electricity.
- Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the USA 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 should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort troubles in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air within your home.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with JW Brager Heating and Cooling
If you want to conserve more energy during hot weather, our JW Brager Heating and Cooling specialists can provide assistance. Reach us at 608-523-9293 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling products.