You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant temp during muggy weather.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy specialists so you can find the best temperature for your house.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Sandpoint.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your AC expenses will be bigger.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are methods you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioner running constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—indoors. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give extra insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they cool through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm initially, try conducting an experiment for a week or so. Start by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively turn it down while adhering to the suggestions above. You could be shocked at how comfortable 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 unoccupied. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and often produces a bigger AC cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temperature controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free resolution, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that might be too chilly, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest running a similar test over a week, setting your temperature higher and slowly decreasing it to pick the right temperature for your house. On cool nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior idea than running the air conditioning.
More Methods to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are other approaches you can save money on utility bills throughout the summer.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electricity costs small.
- Book regular air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running like it should and might help it run more efficiently. It could also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it enables technicians to find small troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Change air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and increase your electrical.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort troubles in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air within your home.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Age Heating & Cooling
If you are looking to use less energy this summer, our Age Heating & Cooling pros can help. Give us a call at 208-603-2210 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling products.
