You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at the right temp during summer weather.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy experts so you can find the best temperature for your loved ones.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Harmony.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and exterior temperatures, your cooling bills will be bigger.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are approaches you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioning running all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—within your home. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer added insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s since they freshen with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot initially, 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 turn it down while following the suggestions above. You might be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner going all day while your residence is empty. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t useful and typically results in a higher air conditioner cost.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free fix, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of using 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 suggests 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise trying an equivalent test over a week, setting your temp higher and slowly lowering it to find the ideal temperature for your residence. On cool nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than running the AC.
More Methods to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are added ways you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout the summer.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping cooling bills small.
- Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working properly and may help it run at better efficiency. It may also help extend its life cycle, since it enables professionals to discover seemingly insignificant problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too often, and raise your electricity.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort troubles in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air inside.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Knoechel Heating
If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Knoechel Heating experts can help. Reach us at 724-806-1195 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling products.