You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temperature during the summer.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We go over advice from energy professionals so you can choose the best temp for your family.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Elk River.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and exterior temps, your electricity costs will be bigger.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are methods you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioning going constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer extra insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they refresh with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try conducting a test for about a week. Start by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily lower it while adhering to the advice above. You may be shocked at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC going all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t useful and typically produces a higher air conditioner expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your settings controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a convenient fix, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We recommend running an equivalent test over a week, setting your temp higher and gradually decreasing it to select the ideal temperature for your house. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better option than running the AC.
More Ways to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional methods you can spend less money on energy bills throughout the summer.
- Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping cooling expenses down.
- Book regular air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running like it should and might help it work at greater efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life span, since it allows pros to spot little troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your utility.
- Check attic insulation levels. Just about 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 inspected. 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 hot air where it should be by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air inside.
Use Less Energy This Summer with Home Comfort Heating & Air
If you need to save more energy during hot weather, our Home Comfort Heating & Air specialists can assist you. Get in touch with us at 763-276-0617 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.
