You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temperature during muggy weather.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy professionals so you can select the best setting for your loved ones.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Harrisonville and Raymore.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and exterior temperatures, your AC bills will be larger.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are methods you can keep your residence 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—inside. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer extra insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s since they refresh through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot at first glance, try doing an experiment for a week or so. Get started by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily decrease it while using the tips above. You could be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning going all day while your residence is empty. Turning the temperature 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 set your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t effective and typically produces a more expensive cooling bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temperature in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.
If you need a handy resolution, think over getting 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 modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that might be too chilly, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend using a similar test over a week, putting your temperature higher and slowly turning it down to select the ideal temp for your house. On cool nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the air conditioning.
More Ways to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are extra methods you can conserve money on energy bills throughout hot weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping electrical costs small.
- Book yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working properly and could help it operate at better efficiency. It could also help extend its life span, since it helps technicians to spot little problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and increase your cooling.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort issues in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air indoors.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Balance Point Heating & Cooling
If you are looking to conserve more energy this summer, our Balance Point Heating & Cooling professionals can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 816-265-0448 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.