You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant temp during summer weather.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We go over ideas from energy pros so you can select the best setting for your house.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Genoa.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outdoor temperatures, your utility costs will be higher.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds hot, there are ways you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioning going constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver more insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they cool by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try running a test for about a week. Start by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily decrease it while following the tips above. You may be shocked at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC running all day while your home is empty. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t productive and often results in a bigger air conditioner expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free solution, consider buying 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 modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise following a comparable test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and slowly turning it down to find the best temperature for your house. On cool nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable option than using the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Save Energy This Summer
There are extra methods you can spend less money on air conditioning bills throughout hot weather.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping cooling bills low.
- Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running properly and might help it work at better efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life span, since it allows techs to uncover seemingly insignificant troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too much, and raise your utility.
- Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort issues in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air within your home.
Save More Energy This Summer with Assured Appliance & Heating & Air
If you want to conserve more energy this summer, our Assured Appliance & Heating & Air experts can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 847-306-8990 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.
