You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant setting during the summer.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy experts so you can determine the best temp for your home.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Bloomfield.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outside temps, your utility bills will be bigger.
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 methods you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioning going frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—indoors. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give more insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try conducting an experiment for a week or so. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually lower it while using the ideas above. You might be shocked at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning working all day while your house is unoccupied. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t productive and usually results in a higher electricity bill.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temperature under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a hassle-free resolution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest following a comparable test over a week, setting your temperature higher and steadily turning it down to locate the right temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior idea than using the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional approaches you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC 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 house comfier while keeping AC costs small.
- Set regular air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running properly and might help it operate at greater efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life cycle, since it allows technicians to find little problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too frequently, and raise your electricity.
- Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort problems in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.
Use Less Energy This Summer with Stanford Heating & Cooling
If you need to use less energy during warm weather, our Stanford Heating & Cooling experts can provide assistance. Reach us at 812-825-8695 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling options.
