You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at the right setting during muggy weather.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We discuss suggestions 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 Seymour.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outdoor warmth, your utility bills will be greater.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are methods you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioning on all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—indoors. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide added insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s since they cool through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try conducting a trial for approximately a week. Begin by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily lower it while adhering to the advice above. You might be shocked at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC on all day while your home is unoccupied. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t useful and often leads to a bigger air conditioner bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your settings under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a handy remedy, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for many families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise trying a comparable test over a week, setting your temp higher and progressively lowering it to determine the best temp for your house. On mild nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better option than running the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are other methods you can spend less money on utility bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping electrical bills low.
- Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working smoothly and may help it operate at greater efficiency. It can also help prolong its life span, since it allows professionals to discover small issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too often, and raise your cooling.
- Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort issues in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air inside.
Save More Energy This Summer with Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning
If you are looking to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning pros can help. Reach us at 920-833-7967 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling products.