You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at the right setting during warm days.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We review ideas from energy pros so you can choose the best setting for your residence.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Sandpoint.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outdoor warmth, your AC expenses will be higher.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are methods you can keep your house refreshing without having the AC on constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—indoors. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer more insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they cool through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm at first glance, try doing a test for approximately a week. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily turn it down while following the advice above. You could be amazed at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC running all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and typically results in a bigger electrical bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temp in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a handy remedy, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend trying a similar test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and slowly decreasing it to pinpoint the ideal temp for your residence. On mild nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable option than running the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Save Energy During Hot Weather
There are other ways you can spend less money on air conditioning bills throughout hot weather.
- Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping energy costs small.
- Set regular air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating like it should and could help it operate at greater efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it enables pros to uncover seemingly insignificant issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and increase your electrical.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the United States don’t have adequate 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 checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air inside.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Age Heating & Cooling
If you are looking to save more energy during hot weather, our Age Heating & Cooling experts can assist you. Get in touch with us at 208-603-2210 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling products.
