You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at the right setting during hot days.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy specialists so you can choose the best setting for your loved ones.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Chadron.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outdoor temperatures, your cooling expenses will be greater.
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 methods you can keep your residence pleasant without having the AC running frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver added insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they refresh through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too hot at first glance, try conducting a test for a week or so. Get started by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily turn it down while following the suggestions 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 working all day while your residence is empty. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a more expensive electricity expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temp in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a handy resolution, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest using an equivalent test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and steadily turning it down to locate the ideal setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior solution than running the AC.
More Methods to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are other approaches you can save money on energy bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping cooling bills down.
- Set yearly air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating like it should and might help it operate at better efficiency. It could also help extend its life expectancy, since it helps technicians to find seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and drive up your cooling.
- Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort issues in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air inside.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with MPC Heating & Cooling
If you are looking to save more energy this summer, our MPC Heating & Cooling experts can help. Get in touch with us at 308-832-4321 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.