You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a refreshing temp during hot days.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We review ideas from energy experts so you can determine the best temp for your family.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Crown Point.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outside temps, your electricity 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 appears too high, there are methods you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioner on all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—within your home. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide extra insulation and better energy savings.
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 freshen through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot initially, try doing an experiment for about a week. Begin by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily lower it while following the ideas above. You may be astonished at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner on all day while your home is empty. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t useful and often results in a more expensive AC expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a hassle-free remedy, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of using 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 advises 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend following an equivalent test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and slowly decreasing it to locate the right temp for your residence. On cool nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than running the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are extra approaches you can save money on utility bills throughout hot weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping energy costs down.
- Schedule annual air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working smoothly and could help it work at greater efficiency. It could also help extend its life expectancy, since it helps technicians to spot small issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and raise your electricity.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the United States don’t have adequate 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 separated over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort troubles in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air inside.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Struven Heating & Cooling
If you are looking to save more energy this summer, our Struven Heating & Cooling professionals can assist you. Get in touch with us at 219-292-0956 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling options.