You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a refreshing temp during muggy weather.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We discuss advice from energy specialists so you can find the best setting for your family.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Streamwood.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and exterior warmth, your AC expenses will be greater.
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 residence pleasant without having the AC going all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cold air where it should be—indoors. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver more insulation and better 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 since they refresh by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm on the surface, try running an experiment for about a week. Begin by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively decrease it while following the advice above. You may be shocked at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning going all day while your house is vacant. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning 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 bigger electrical expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temperature under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a convenient fix, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for most families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that might be too chilly, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We recommend following an equivalent test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and progressively lowering it to choose the right temperature for your house. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better solution than running the air conditioning.
More Methods to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are other approaches you can conserve money on air conditioning bills throughout warm weather.
- Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping cooling expenses low.
- Set yearly air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and could help it operate more efficiently. It can also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables techs to spot seemingly insignificant problems before they create a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and drive up your utility.
- Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences 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 checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort issues in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.
Save More Energy This Summer with Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning
If you are looking to save more energy this summer, our Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning professionals can assist you. Reach us at 630-948-4591 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling products.