You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at the right setting during the summer.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy specialists so you can select the best temperature for your home.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Florissant and St. Charles.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outdoor temperatures, your electricity bills will be larger.
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 approaches you can keep your residence pleasant without having the AC on all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—inside. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give extra insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s since they refresh by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot initially, try running a test for a week or so. Start by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily turn it down while following the suggestions above. You could be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner running all day while your home is empty. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t useful and typically results in a more expensive cooling bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temp under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you leave.
If you want a convenient solution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. 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 advantage of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for many families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that could be too cold, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise running a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and steadily lowering it to pinpoint the ideal temp for your house. On mild nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior idea than operating the air conditioner.
More Ways to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are added methods you can spend less money on energy bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electricity costs down.
- Set regular air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and could help it operate at better efficiency. It may also help prolong its life expectancy, since it enables pros to spot small issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too much, and increase your utility.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with B&B Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical
If you want to conserve more energy during hot weather, our B&B Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical specialists can help. Give us a call at 314-668-8530 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling products.