You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing setting during summer weather.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy specialists so you can select the best temperature for your home.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Menomonie and western Wisconsin.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and exterior warmth, your electricity bills will be larger.
These are our recommendations 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 house cool without having the AC on frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give added insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s because they cool with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too hot initially, try doing an experiment for about a week. Begin by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the tips above. You might be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning on all day while your house is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and typically results in a higher AC expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your settings controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a convenient fix, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for most families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise running a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and gradually decreasing it to select the right temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable option than using the AC.
More Approaches to Save Energy During Hot Weather
There are other methods you can conserve money on energy bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping utility
costs low. - Set regular air conditioning service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running like it should and might help it work more efficiently. It might also help prolong its life span, since it enables pros to uncover small troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too often, and increase your electrical
bills. - Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart as it’s aged can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort issues in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air indoors.
Save More Energy This Summer with Halverson Brothers Inc
If you are looking to save more 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 additional details about our energy-conserving cooling products.