You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at the right temp during muggy weather.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We go over advice from energy professionals so you can select the best setting for your residence.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Chelan and Wenatchee.
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 inside and outside temps, your cooling bills 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 warm, there are methods you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner going frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—indoors. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give more insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot initially, try running a trial for a week or so. Begin by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily lower it while adhering to the tips above. You might be shocked at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner on all day while your home is vacant. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t useful and often leads to a more expensive electricity bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temperature controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you go.
If you need a convenient remedy, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re gone. 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 plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We recommend trying a similar test over a week, setting your temperature higher and progressively decreasing it to pinpoint the right setting for your family. On mild nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the AC.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are additional approaches you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout the summer.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electricity costs low.
- Book yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating properly and might help it run at greater efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it allows pros to uncover little troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and increase your energy.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort issues in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.
Use Less Energy This Summer with Lakeside Heating & Air
If you need to conserve more energy this summer, our Lakeside Heating & Air professionals can help. Give us a call at 509-300-1829 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling products.
