You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temperature during summer weather.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We go over advice from energy experts so you can choose the best temp for your home.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Carpentersville.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and outside temps, your AC expenses will be bigger.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds hot, there are ways you can keep your house cool without having the AC going all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer more insulation and enhanced energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s since they freshen through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable at first glance, try doing a test for about a week. Begin by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively decrease it while adhering to the ideas above. You may be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning going all day while your home is empty. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t useful and typically results in a bigger AC cost.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temperature controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a convenient fix, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest using a comparable test over a week, setting your temperature higher and steadily lowering it to pinpoint the ideal temperature for your family. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than running the air conditioning.
More Methods to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional approaches you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping utility costs down.
- Schedule yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and might help it run at greater efficiency. It can also help prolong its life span, since it helps technicians to pinpoint seemingly insignificant troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and increase your energy.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort issues in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Controlled Comfort HVAC
If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Controlled Comfort HVAC pros can assist you. Reach us at 224-335-9783 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.
