You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at the right temperature during hot days.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy specialists so you can choose the best temp for your home.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Hudsonville.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outdoor temps, your cooling expenses will be higher.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are ways you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner going constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give extra insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too hot at first glance, try running a trial for approximately a week. Start by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively decrease it while using the ideas above. You could be surprised at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner working all day while your residence is empty. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t useful and usually results in a higher AC expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temp controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a convenient fix, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly 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 almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for many families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend following an equivalent test over a week, setting your temperature higher and steadily turning it down to find the ideal temperature for your residence. On mild nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior solution than running the air conditioning.
More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are extra ways you can save money on AC bills throughout warm weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping cooling bills low.
- Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating properly and could help it operate at greater efficiency. It may also help prolong its life expectancy, since it helps professionals to find seemingly insignificant issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too frequently, and drive up your energy.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort problems in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air within your home.
Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services
If you want to use less energy during hot weather, our West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services experts can assist you. Reach us at 616-971-6428 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling products.
