You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at the right temperature during hot days.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy professionals so you can choose the best temperature for your family.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Athol.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outside warmth, your electrical bills will be larger.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are methods you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner running all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—indoors. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer added insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try running an experiment for approximately a week. Begin by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually lower it while using the tips above. You could be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC running all day while your house is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t effective and typically leads to a bigger cooling bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temperature under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you go.
If you need a handy solution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of using 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 unpleasant for many families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend following a comparable test over a week, moving your temperature higher and gradually lowering it to pinpoint the right temperature for your residence. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better option than operating the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are other methods you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping cooling expenses low.
- Book annual air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating smoothly and might help it operate at better efficiency. It might also help extend its life span, since it enables techs to uncover little issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and drive up your cooling.
- Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the USA don’t have enough 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 checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort troubles in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.
Use Less Energy This Summer with Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling
If you are looking to use less energy during warm weather, our Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 208-561-1226 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.
