You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a refreshing temp during summer weather.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy professionals so you can find the best setting for your loved ones.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Crystal and Twin Cities.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and outside warmth, your AC bills will be bigger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are methods you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioning running all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give extra insulation and better energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm at first glance, try doing a trial for about a week. Start by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually decrease it while using the tips above. You may be astonished at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning running all day while your home is empty. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 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 residence more rapidly. This isn’t productive and often produces a higher electricity cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temperature controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a convenient resolution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of getting 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 suggests 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We recommend trying an equivalent test over a week, setting your temperature higher and progressively decreasing it to pinpoint the best temp for your house. On cool nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than using the air conditioner.
More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional approaches you can conserve money on air conditioning bills throughout the summer.
- Buy 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 home cooler while keeping cooling bills small.
- Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working properly and could help it operate at better efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables pros to pinpoint seemingly insignificant troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too frequently, and drive up your utility.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have adequate 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 leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air indoors.
Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with GV Heating & Air
If you are looking to use less energy this summer, our GV Heating & Air pros can provide assistance. Reach us at 763-535-2000 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling products.
