You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant temperature during warm days.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We review advice from energy professionals so you can determine the best temp for your home.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Seymour.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your AC 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 seems hot, there are methods you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioning running all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cool air where it should be—inside. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide added insulation and better energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they cool with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm at first glance, try doing a test for approximately a week. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily decrease it while following the suggestions above. You may be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner going all day while your residence is empty. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and typically produces a more expensive AC cost.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your settings under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you go.
If you need a hassle-free fix, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of getting 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 suggests 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest running an equivalent test over a week, moving your temperature higher and slowly decreasing it to determine the ideal setting for your family. On mild nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better solution than operating the AC.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are additional approaches you can conserve money on energy bills throughout warm weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping cooling expenses small.
- Set yearly air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working smoothly and may help it operate more efficiently. It might also help lengthen its life span, since it helps techs to pinpoint small problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and raise your electricity.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air indoors.
Save More Energy This Summer with Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning
If you need to use less energy during hot weather, our Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning pros can provide assistance. Reach us at 920-833-7967 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling options.