You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at the right temp during the summer.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy experts so you can select the best setting for your family.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Crown Point.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and exterior temps, your electricity expenses will be larger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are approaches you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioning going frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds closed 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 added insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s since they refresh through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable on the surface, try doing an experiment for a week or so. Begin by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily turn it down while using the advice above. You might be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner running all day while your house is vacant. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and often leads to a more expensive electrical bill.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your settings in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a handy remedy, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for the majority of families. The majority of 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, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise running an equivalent test over a week, moving your temp higher and progressively turning it down to pinpoint the right setting for your residence. On pleasant nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than running the air conditioner.
More Methods to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are other methods you can save money on air conditioning bills throughout warm weather.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping utility bills small.
- Book regular air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and might help it operate more efficiently. It could also help prolong its life cycle, since it enables professionals to spot small issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Change air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too often, and increase your electrical.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences 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”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort problems in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air within your home.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Struven Heating & Cooling
If you need to conserve more energy this summer, our Struven Heating & Cooling specialists can help. Get in touch with us at 219-292-0956 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling options.
