You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temperature during warm days.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy professionals so you can determine the best temperature for your loved ones.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in McPherson.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outdoor temperatures, your AC bills will be greater.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are approaches you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioner going frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give more insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s since they cool by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try running a test for about a week. Get started by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually decrease it while adhering to the advice above. You may be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner on all day while your home is unoccupied. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t effective and often results in a more expensive air conditioner expense.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a handy resolution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We recommend following a similar test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and steadily decreasing it to find the ideal temp for your house. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the air conditioner.
More Methods to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are added ways you can save money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping utility costs low.
- Set annual air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running properly and might help it run at greater efficiency. It may also help extend its life cycle, since it enables techs to uncover small problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too frequently, and raise your electrical.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air inside.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with McPherson Quality Air & Plumbing
If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our McPherson Quality Air & Plumbing experts can provide assistance. Reach us at 620-206-2886 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling options.
