You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a pleasant temp during warm days.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We review suggestions from energy professionals so you can find the best temperature for your residence.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Lawrence.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outdoor temps, your utility expenses will be bigger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds hot, there are methods you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner on all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide extra insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s because they refresh through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable at first glance, try doing a trial for approximately a week. Get started by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually turn it down while adhering to the suggestions above. You might be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning on all day while your residence is vacant. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t productive and typically produces a bigger cooling expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temp under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you want a convenient resolution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend trying an equivalent test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and gradually turning it down to locate the ideal temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better solution than using the air conditioning.
More Methods to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are additional approaches you can save money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping utility bills low.
- Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working smoothly and might help it operate at better efficiency. It could also help prolong its life expectancy, since it enables techs to spot seemingly insignificant issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and drive up your cooling.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many 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 leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort troubles in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air within your home.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Scott Temperature
If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Scott Temperature specialists can assist you. Reach us at 785-269-0465 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling options.