You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing setting during hot days.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy professionals so you can find the best temperature for your house.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Dresden.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outside temperatures, your utility expenses will be greater.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are ways you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner running constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—indoors. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide added insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they cool with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try doing a trial for a week or so. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively lower it while following the advice above. You may be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning on all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t useful and typically leads to a higher cooling cost.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a hassle-free solution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of getting 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 suggests 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that may be too cool, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise trying a comparable test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and steadily turning it down to determine the right setting for your residence. On pleasant nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better option than operating the air conditioning.
More Ways to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are added methods you can spend less money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electrical bills down.
- Book yearly air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running like it should and may help it run at better efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life span, since it helps techs to spot little problems before they create a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and raise your electricity.
- Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes 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 inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort problems in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air within your home.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with McFadden Heating & Cooling
If you want to use less energy during hot weather, our McFadden Heating & Cooling experts can provide assistance. Give us a call at 519-683-2339 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling options.
