You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temperature during summer weather.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We go over ideas from energy pros so you can determine the best temp for your family.
Here’s what we suggest 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 is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and outside warmth, your electrical bills will be higher.
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 methods you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner going frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give added insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm initially, try doing an experiment for about a week. Begin by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively turn it down while using the ideas above. You could be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC working all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t productive and usually produces a bigger AC cost.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temp controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a convenient fix, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that could be too cold, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise running an equivalent test over a week, moving your temperature higher and steadily turning it down to pick the best setting for your family. On mild nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior solution than using the AC.
More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are added methods you can spend less money on utility bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping electrical expenses down.
- Schedule regular air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating like it should and could help it run at better efficiency. It may also help extend its life span, since it enables techs to uncover small problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too often, and increase your electricity.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cool 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 muggy air in its place by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air within your home.
Use Less Energy This Summer with Knoechel Heating
If you need to save more energy during warm weather, our Knoechel Heating pros can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 724-806-1195 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling options.