You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a pleasant setting during summer weather.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We go over advice from energy experts so you can find the best temp for your home.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Menomonie and western Wisconsin.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outdoor warmth, your cooling bills 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 hot, there are approaches you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioner on frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cold air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give added insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s since they refresh with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try running an experiment for approximately a week. Begin by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually decrease it while adhering to the tips above. You may be shocked at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning on all day while your home is empty. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees higher 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 colder than 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t productive and often leads to a higher electrical bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temperature controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you go.
If you want a convenient resolution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that could be too cool, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We recommend using an equivalent test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and steadily decreasing it to determine the right temp for your family. On pleasant nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the AC.
More Methods to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are added methods you can conserve money on energy bills throughout warm weather.
- Buy 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 home comfier while keeping electrical bills low.
- Schedule annual air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and might help it run at better efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life cycle, since it allows professionals to find seemingly insignificant problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Change air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too much, and drive up your electricity.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort issues in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air indoors.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Halverson Brothers Inc
If you need to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Halverson Brothers Inc pros can assist you. Reach us at 715-578-8046 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.
