You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant temperature during the summer.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy specialists so you can determine the best temperature for your residence.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Michigan City.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and exterior temps, your electrical 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 seems warm, there are ways you can keep your house cool without having the AC on frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide added insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm on the surface, try running a trial for approximately a week. Get started by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily turn it down while following the advice above. You might be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC going all day while your house is empty. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t useful and often leads to a more expensive electrical expense.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temperature in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.
If you want a convenient solution, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk 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 recommends 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest using a comparable test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and gradually decreasing it to pick the best temp for your family. On cool nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the air conditioning.
More Methods to Save Energy During Hot Weather
There are other ways you can conserve money on energy bills throughout the summer.
- Upgrade to 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 cooler while keeping energy costs down.
- Book yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working properly and might help it work at better efficiency. It can also help extend its life span, since it enables technicians to uncover little problems before they create a major meltdown.
- Change air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and increase your electrical.
- Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort troubles in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air indoors.
Use Less Energy This Summer with Hoekstra - Paniccia Heating & Air Conditioning
If you need to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Hoekstra - Paniccia Heating & Air Conditioning professionals can provide assistance. Give us a call at 219-872-2198 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling products.