You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a refreshing setting during warm days.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We go over advice from energy specialists so you can determine the best setting 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 provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outside temperatures, your utility expenses 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 sounds hot, there are ways you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioner going frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give more insulation and better energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot at first glance, try doing an experiment for about a week. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively decrease it while adhering to the ideas above. You may be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC going all day while your house is vacant. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t effective and usually leads to a more expensive electricity cost.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temperature under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a hassle-free resolution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for many 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 could be too chilly, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We recommend trying a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and slowly turning it down to choose the best temp for your residence. On pleasant nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior solution than operating the AC.
More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are other methods you can save money on utility 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 get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping electricity costs low.
- Book regular air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating properly and could help it operate at greater efficiency. It can also help prolong its life expectancy, since it helps professionals to pinpoint seemingly insignificant issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and drive up your utility.
- Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort problems in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air indoors.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Durable Service
If you want to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Durable Service specialists can assist you. Reach us at 308-995-8177 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling options.
