You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at the right setting during muggy weather.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy experts so you can select the best temp for your loved ones.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Rockford.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outside warmth, your electricity expenses will be greater.
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 ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioning running frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cold air where it should be—inside. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer more insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try running a test for about a week. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily decrease it while adhering to the advice above. You could be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC working all day while your house is unoccupied. Moving the temp 7¬¬–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t effective and typically leads to a higher electricity expense.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free fix, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re out. 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 perk of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest running a similar test over a week, setting your temp higher and steadily lowering it to find the ideal setting for your residence. On mild nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than using the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are extra ways you can save money on utility bills throughout warm weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping electricity
costs down. - Set yearly AC tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and might help it operate at greater efficiency. It could also help prolong its life cycle, since it enables technicians to find seemingly insignificant problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Change air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and raise your electrical
expenses. - Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have adequate 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 loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air inside.
Save More Energy This Summer with Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling, Inc
If you want to save more energy during hot weather, our Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling, Inc professionals can help. Reach us at (815)914-6197 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-conserving cooling options.