Whats the Most Energy-Efficient AC Setting?

You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a refreshing setting during summer weather.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy pros so you can find the best setting for your house.

Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Chadron.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outdoor warmth, your electricity bills will be larger.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems warm, there are ways you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioning running frequently.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cold air where it should be—indoors. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer more insulation and enhanced energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too hot initially, try doing a test for a week or so. Begin by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually lower it while adhering to the ideas above. You may be amazed at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC running all day while your residence is empty. Switching the temperature 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t effective and typically leads to a bigger electrical expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temp controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a handy remedy, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, due to your clothing and blanket preference.

We advise running a similar test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and slowly turning it down to pick the ideal setting for your family. On mild nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than running the AC.

More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer

There are other approaches you can save money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

1. Get 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. An updated air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping energy
expenses low.
2. Book annual AC tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running like it should and could help it operate at greater efficiency. It might also help extend its life cycle, since it allows technicians to find little problems before they create a major meltdown.
3. Change air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and increase your utility
bills.
4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses 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 require 16–18”.
5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart as it’s aged can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort issues in your house, like hot and cold spots.
6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air within your home.

Use Less Energy This Summer with MPC Heating & Cooling

If you want to use less energy this summer, our MPC Heating & Cooling professionals can provide assistance. Give us a call at 308-832-4321 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.