You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at the right temp during summer weather.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We discuss advice from energy experts so you can determine the best setting for your family.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Marshfield.
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 interior and outdoor temperatures, your cooling 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 sounds too high, there are ways you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioner running constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—within your home. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give more insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s since they refresh by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try doing a trial for about a week. Get started by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively decrease it while using the ideas above. You might be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner on all day while your residence is unoccupied. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t effective and typically results in a bigger cooling cost.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your settings in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a convenient resolution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise following an equivalent test over a week, moving your temperature higher and slowly turning it down to determine the ideal temperature for your house. On mild nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than using the air conditioning.
More Ways to Save Energy This Summer
There are extra methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electrical costs low.
- Book yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working properly and may help it run at greater efficiency. It might also help prolong its life expectancy, since it enables techs to discover seemingly insignificant troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too often, and raise your cooling.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air inside.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with House of Heating Incorporated
If you are looking to use less energy during warm weather, our House of Heating Incorporated pros can help. Give us a call at 715-384-3163 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.