You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant temp during muggy weather.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy experts so you can select the best temp for your loved ones.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Jefferson.
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 warmth, your electrical expenses will be greater.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are approaches you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioning going all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide added insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they freshen through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot initially, try doing a trial for about a week. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily decrease it while following the suggestions above. You could be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC on all day while your residence is unoccupied. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t productive and often results in a more expensive electricity bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free solution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest running a comparable test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and progressively turning it down to pinpoint the best setting for your family. On cool nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than running the air conditioner.
More Methods to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are additional methods you can conserve money on energy bills throughout warm weather.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electricity bills small.
- Schedule annual air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working properly and might help it run at better efficiency. It may also help extend its life cycle, since it allows technicians to find small issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and drive up your utility.
- Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort troubles in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.
Save More Energy This Summer with Pratt Brothers
If you need to save more energy during warm weather, our Pratt Brothers specialists can provide assistance. Give us a call at 920-347-8495 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling products.