You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at the right setting during the summer.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy professionals so you can choose the best setting for your residence.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Pella.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and outside temperatures, your cooling bills will be bigger.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are approaches you can keep your home refreshing without having the AC going constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—indoors. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver more insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too hot at first glance, try running an experiment for a week or so. Get started by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily decrease it while using the ideas above. You might be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning running all day while your house is empty. Switching the temp 7¬¬–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t productive and often results in a more expensive air conditioner cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temperature under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a handy solution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus 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. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise following a similar test over a week, setting your temp higher and progressively lowering it to select the right temperature for your family. On mild nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better solution than operating the air conditioning.
More Methods to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are added approaches you can conserve money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electricity
expenses low. - Book yearly AC service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running smoothly and may help it run at better efficiency. It could also help prolong its life cycle, since it allows technicians to discover little issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Change air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too frequently, and drive up your utility
costs. - Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated as it’s aged can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort troubles in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air inside.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating
If you are looking to save more energy during hot weather, our Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating specialists can assist you. Reach us at 641-628-3621 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-efficient cooling solutions.