You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at the right temperature during the summer.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy professionals so you can find the best temp for your residence.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Cape Girardeau.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and outdoor temperatures, your AC costs 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 seems hot, there are approaches you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioner on frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cold air where it should be—within your home. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver extra insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s because they freshen with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too hot at first glance, try running an experiment for about a week. Get started by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively turn it down while adhering to the ideas above. You could be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner running all day while your residence is vacant. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t productive and typically leads to a higher cooling bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temp controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a convenient resolution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that may be too cold, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest trying a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and slowly lowering it to pinpoint the right setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better solution than using the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional ways you can conserve money on utility bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electrical bills down.
- Schedule annual air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running like it should and may help it run at better efficiency. It might also help extend its life expectancy, since it helps pros to spot seemingly insignificant issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too much, and raise your cooling.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort problems in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air within your home.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Prestige Plumbing and Air
If you are looking to use less energy this summer, our Prestige Plumbing and Air professionals can help. Give us a call at 573-266-2048 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling options.