You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a refreshing setting during muggy weather.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We review advice from energy experts so you can find the best temp for your loved ones.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Marshfield.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outdoor temps, your utility 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 approaches you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioner going all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—indoors. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give added insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try running a test for approximately a week. Begin by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually decrease it while adhering to the tips above. You could be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner working all day while your home is vacant. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t productive and often leads to a bigger AC bill.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temperature under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.
If you want a hassle-free resolution, think about 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 intuitively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of getting 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 suggests 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for the majority of 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 could be too cold, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest following a comparable test over a week, setting your temp higher and slowly turning it down to pinpoint the ideal setting for your family. On mild nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior option than running the AC.
More Ways to Save Energy This Summer
There are other approaches you can save money on air conditioning bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electricity expenses low.
- Set yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working properly and may help it operate more efficiently. It may also help lengthen its life span, since it helps technicians to discover little troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and increase your utility.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort troubles in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air inside.
Save More Energy This Summer with House of Heating Incorporated
If you want to conserve more energy during hot weather, our House of Heating Incorporated pros can assist you. Give us a call at 715-384-3163 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling products.