You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a refreshing setting during the summer.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We go over ideas from energy professionals so you can determine the best temp for your loved ones.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Lawrence.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and exterior temps, your utility 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 hot, there are ways you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner on frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—indoors. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer extra insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable on the surface, try doing a trial for about a week. Get started by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively turn it down while following the suggestions above. You may be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC on all day while your house is vacant. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and usually produces a higher electricity cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your settings in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free fix, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest running an equivalent test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and gradually decreasing it to find the ideal temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior option than using the air conditioning.
More Ways to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are added methods you can conserve money on utility bills throughout warm weather.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping cooling expenses down.
- Set yearly air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and might help it operate at greater efficiency. It could also help extend its life expectancy, since it enables technicians to find small problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too frequently, and raise your electrical.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort issues in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air within your home.
Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Scott Temperature
If you need to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Scott Temperature professionals can provide assistance. Reach us at 785-269-0465 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.