You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at the right temperature during muggy weather.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We review advice from energy experts so you can select the best temp for your residence.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Athol.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and exterior temperatures, your electrical 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 warm, there are approaches you can keep your home cool without having the AC going frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—inside. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer extra insulation and enhanced energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s since they cool with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm at first glance, try conducting an experiment for about a week. Begin by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while following the ideas above. You may be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC on all day while your home is unoccupied. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t effective and usually produces a bigger air conditioner cost.
A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your settings in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a convenient fix, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We recommend using a comparable test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and progressively lowering it to select the best temp for your family. On cool nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than using the AC.
More Approaches to Save Energy During Hot Weather
There are extra ways you can spend less money on air conditioning bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electricity bills low.
- Schedule regular air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running properly and may help it operate at greater efficiency. It may also help extend its life cycle, since it allows professionals to uncover small issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and increase your energy.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the USA 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 checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort issues in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air within your home.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling
If you need to save more energy during warm weather, our Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling experts can assist you. Give us a call at 208-561-1226 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.
