You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at the right temperature during warm days.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We review ideas from energy specialists so you can determine the best setting for your house.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Monroe.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outside warmth, your electrical costs will be higher.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are ways you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner running all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer more 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 sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try doing a trial for about a week. Get started by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while using the suggestions above. You may be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC going all day while your residence is empty. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and often leads to a bigger electricity cost.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temp under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you want a hassle-free remedy, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest running a similar test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and gradually turning it down to select the right temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior solution than using the air conditioning.
More Methods to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are other approaches you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping energy bills down.
- Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating properly and might help it operate at greater efficiency. It may also help prolong its life expectancy, since it enables pros to spot seemingly insignificant problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your electricity.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the United States 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 inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air within your home.
Use Less Energy This Summer with Lanz Furnace and Fireplace
If you need to save more energy during hot weather, our Lanz Furnace and Fireplace professionals can help. Give us a call at 608-291-3606 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling products.
