You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant setting during summer weather.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We review suggestions from energy experts so you can determine the best temp for your loved ones.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Kearney.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and exterior warmth, your utility bills will be larger.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are approaches you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioner going frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—inside. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide more insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot on the surface, try doing a trial for a week or so. Start by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually lower it while adhering to the ideas above. You might be amazed at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC running all day while your home is empty. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t productive and usually results in a bigger AC bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temp controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a handy fix, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for many families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We recommend trying an equivalent test over a week, putting your temp higher and progressively decreasing it to determine the best setting for your family. On pleasant nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better option than running the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional ways you can save money on AC bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electrical expenses low.
- Book regular air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running smoothly and might help it work at greater efficiency. It might also help extend its life span, since it enables techs to find seemingly insignificant troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and increase your utility.
- Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning
If you are looking to conserve more energy this summer, our Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning experts can assist you. Give us a call at 308-624-3485 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.