You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at the right setting during muggy weather.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We review recommendations from energy experts so you can select the best setting for your house.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Athol.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and exterior temps, your electricity bills will be bigger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are methods you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioning on constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give more insulation and better energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot at first glance, try running a trial for about a week. Get started by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while adhering to the ideas above. You could be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner running all day while your home is unoccupied. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t effective and often leads to a more expensive cooling bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temp in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free resolution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise following a similar test over a week, moving your temperature higher and progressively lowering it to determine the right setting for your residence. On pleasant nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior solution than using the AC.
More Methods to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are other ways you can conserve money on utility bills throughout hot weather.
- Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping AC costs small.
- Book regular air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working smoothly and may help it operate more efficiently. It can also help extend its life expectancy, since it helps techs to uncover little issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Change air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too much, and increase your electrical.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most 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 leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort problems in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air inside.
Save More Energy This Summer with Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling
If you want to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling experts can help. Get in touch with us at 208-561-1226 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling products.
