You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a pleasant temperature during warm days.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We discuss advice from energy specialists so you can determine the best temperature for your home.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Skokie.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outdoor warmth, your electricity expenses will be bigger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are methods you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioning going all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—inside. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer added insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they refresh by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm at first glance, try doing an experiment for about a week. Begin by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively turn it down while following the advice above. You might be shocked at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner on all day while your residence is empty. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t useful and typically produces a higher electricity cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temp under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a convenient fix, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year 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 just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that could be too cool, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend using an equivalent test over a week, moving your temperature higher and progressively lowering it to choose the right temperature for your house. On mild nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better solution than using the air conditioner.
More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are extra approaches you can save money on AC bills throughout the summer.
- Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping utility bills low.
- Schedule annual air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating like it should and may help it run at better efficiency. It could also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it allows technicians to pinpoint seemingly insignificant troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Change air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and raise your electrical.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Topline HVAC
If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Topline HVAC professionals can provide assistance. Reach us at 866-560-8214 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling products.
