You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temperature during muggy weather.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy professionals so you can find the best setting for your residence.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Menomonie and western Wisconsin.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outdoor temperatures, your cooling bills will be larger.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems warm, there are ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the AC running frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver extra insulation and better energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm initially, try running a test for about a week. Begin by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily decrease it while using the ideas above. You could be astonished at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC working all day while your residence is vacant. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a more expensive electricity cost.
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 run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.
If you want a handy fix, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest trying a comparable test over a week, putting your temperature higher and gradually turning it down to locate the ideal temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior option than running the air conditioner.
More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are additional ways you can conserve money on energy bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping cooling expenses low.
- Set yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and may help it operate more efficiently. It might also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables professionals to find seemingly insignificant problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and raise your cooling.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort troubles in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air indoors.
Save More Energy This Summer with Halverson Brothers Inc
If you need to use less energy this summer, our Halverson Brothers Inc professionals can assist you. Get in touch with us at 715-352-4052 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling options.
