You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing setting during summer weather.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We review recommendations from energy professionals so you can select the best setting for your loved ones.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Savage.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outdoor temps, your electricity costs will be higher.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are ways you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioner on all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide added insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s since they cool by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try doing a test for about a week. Start by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily decrease it while using the suggestions above. You may be amazed at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner going all day while your house is empty. Turning the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t productive and often results in a bigger electricity cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your settings under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a convenient fix, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of having 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 may be unpleasant for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We recommend trying an equivalent test over a week, moving your temperature higher and gradually turning it down to locate the best temp for your house. On cool nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than using the air conditioner.
More Ways to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are extra approaches you can save money on utility bills throughout the summer.
- Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping utility
expenses low. - Schedule annual AC service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and may help it operate at greater efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables pros to discover seemingly insignificant problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and raise your electricity
expenses. - Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over the years can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort problems in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning
If you want to use less energy during hot weather, our Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning experts can provide assistance. Reach us at 952-373-0377 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-efficient cooling products.