You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant temperature during summer weather.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over advice from energy specialists so you can find the best temperature for your residence.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Wyandotte.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and exterior temps, your electrical bills will be greater.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds hot, there are methods you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioning running all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide more insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot on the surface, try doing an experiment for approximately a week. Get started by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily turn it down while adhering to the ideas above. You might be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner working all day while your home is vacant. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t effective and often results in a higher AC expense.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temp in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a convenient resolution, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that could be too chilly, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest using a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and progressively turning it down to select the right setting for your family. On pleasant nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior idea than operating the AC.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are extra methods you can spend less money on energy bills throughout the summer.
- Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping cooling costs down.
- Schedule annual air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating like it should and may help it work at greater efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life span, since it allows technicians to find seemingly insignificant issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and increase your electrical.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the United States 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 need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air inside.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning
If you want to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning experts can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 734-284-1224 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.
