You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a refreshing setting during muggy weather.

But what is the best temp, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy professionals so you can find the best temp for your family.

Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Elk River.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your utility expenses will be greater.

These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are approaches you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioner running constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cold air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide extra insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they freshen by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too warm at first glance, try running an experiment for approximately a week. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while using the advice above. You might be astonished at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning running all day while your home is vacant. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t effective and usually results in a bigger AC expense.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temp controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.

If you’re looking for a convenient solution, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on 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. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your clothing and blanket preference.

We recommend using a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and progressively lowering it to pick the best temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior solution than running the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Save Energy This Summer

There are added methods you can conserve money on utility bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping electricity costs down.
  2. Set annual air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working properly and might help it run at greater efficiency. It might also help prolong its life cycle, since it enables technicians to discover little issues before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and raise your electricity.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort troubles in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.

Save More Energy This Summer with Home Comfort Heating & Air

If you need to conserve more energy this summer, our Home Comfort Heating & Air specialists can assist you. Give us a call at 763-276-0617 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling options.