You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant temp during hot days.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy experts so you can determine the best setting for your loved ones.

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 setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your utility 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 warm, there are approaches you can keep your house pleasant without having the AC running constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide more insulation and better energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s because they refresh by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try doing a test for a week or so. Start by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the advice above. You may be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner going all day while your home is empty. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t useful and typically leads to a bigger electricity cost.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your settings in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a hassle-free resolution, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $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 change temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise following a comparable test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and progressively decreasing it to pinpoint the ideal temperature for your family. On mild nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior solution than running the air conditioner.

More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra approaches you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping AC expenses low.
  2. Schedule annual air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and could help it run more efficiently. It may also help prolong its life expectancy, since it enables professionals to uncover small problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too often, and increase your utility.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort troubles in your house, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air indoors.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Halverson Brothers Inc

If you are looking to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Halverson Brothers Inc pros can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 715-352-4052 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling products.