You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temperature during the summer.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We go over advice from energy professionals so you can select the best temperature for your home.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in McHenry.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outside warmth, your electricity costs will be higher.
These are our recommendations 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 home pleasant without having the AC going all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—within your home. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give added insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s since they refresh by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try running a test for approximately a week. Get started by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively turn it down while adhering to the advice above. You may be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner going all day while your home is vacant. Switching the temperature 7¬¬–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t useful and usually produces a higher AC bills.
A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temperature under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a convenient remedy, consider getting 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 intuitively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of having 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 could be unbearable for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend using a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and progressively turning it down to find the right setting for your residence. On mild nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better option than operating the AC.
More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are added approaches you can save money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping cooling
bills down. - Book annual air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running smoothly and might help it operate more efficiently. It could also help extend its life span, since it enables technicians to pinpoint seemingly insignificant problems before they lead to an expensive meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and drive up your energy
costs. - Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over the years can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort issues in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Jett's Heating & Air Inc.
If you are looking to save more energy during warm weather, our Jett's Heating & Air Inc. professionals can help. Reach us at 815-410-1128 or contact us online for more information about our energy-conserving cooling products.