You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at the right setting during warm days.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy pros so you can find the best temp for your home.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Holdrege.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and outside temps, your AC costs will be larger.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the AC going all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—indoors. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver added insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s since they freshen through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try doing a trial for approximately a week. Begin by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the ideas above. You might be astonished 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 warmer 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 switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and typically results in a higher air conditioner cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temperature under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free resolution, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from nearly 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 sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We recommend trying an equivalent test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and gradually lowering it to pinpoint the ideal setting for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better option than operating the AC.
More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are additional approaches you can save money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping utility costs small.
- Book annual air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running properly and may help it work more efficiently. It could also help extend its life expectancy, since it enables technicians to uncover little troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and raise your energy.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort troubles in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air within your home.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Durable Service
If you need to save more energy during hot weather, our Durable Service specialists can assist you. Get in touch with us at 308-995-8177 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling products.
