You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at the right temp during muggy weather.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We review suggestions from energy specialists so you can select the best temp for your house.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Fenton.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and exterior temps, your AC costs will be bigger.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are methods you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioning going constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—indoors. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer added insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they refresh through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot initially, try doing an experiment for about a week. Start by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while following the ideas above. You might be surprised at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning running all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t effective and usually results in a bigger cooling cost.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your settings under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you go.
If you want a handy fix, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We recommend using a similar test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and slowly lowering it to select the right temp for your residence. On cool nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the AC.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are added approaches you can spend less money on AC bills throughout warm weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping utility expenses down.
- Schedule yearly air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running like it should and may help it work at greater efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables pros to spot little problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Change air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too much, and drive up your energy.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air indoors.
Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Comfort Solutions Heating & Cooling
If you are looking to save more energy during warm weather, our Comfort Solutions Heating & Cooling pros can provide assistance. Give us a call at 314-237-1100 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling products.