You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at the right setting during warm days.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We discuss advice from energy experts so you can select the best setting for your home.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Sandpoint.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outside temperatures, your AC bills will be higher.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are ways you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioning going constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver more insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s since they cool by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too hot on the surface, try conducting a trial for a week or so. Start by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually decrease it while adhering to the advice above. You might be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning working all day while your house is vacant. Moving the temp 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t useful and typically leads to a bigger AC bills.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temperature under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free resolution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year 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 advises 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest running a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and gradually lowering it to pinpoint the right temp for your residence. On mild nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better solution than running the air conditioner.
More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are added approaches you can spend less money on AC bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping energy
costs low. - Book regular air conditioning maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working smoothly and could help it operate more efficiently. It could also help extend its life cycle, since it helps technicians to discover seemingly insignificant issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too often, and raise your electrical
costs. - Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over the years can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort troubles in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.
Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Age Heating & Cooling
If you are looking to save more energy this summer, our Age Heating & Cooling specialists can assist you. Get in touch with us at 208-578-4258 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.