You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at the right setting during muggy weather.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We go over advice from energy professionals so you can choose the best setting for your house.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Chelan and Wenatchee.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your electricity 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 appears too high, there are ways you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioning on frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—inside. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver extra insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try running a test for about a week. Start by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively turn it down while using the tips above. You might be astonished at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner working all day while your house is unoccupied. Turning the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t productive and usually results in a bigger electrical cost.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your settings controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free remedy, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for many families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest trying a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and slowly turning it down to locate the best setting for your family. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than operating the AC.
More Ways to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are other ways you can save money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping cooling
expenses down. - Schedule regular air conditioning service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and could help it run at greater efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life span, since it helps pros to spot small issues before they cause an expensive meltdown.
- Put in new air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and drive up your electrical
bills. - Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart as it’s aged can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort problems in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air inside.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Lakeside Heating & Air
If you want to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Lakeside Heating & Air pros can provide assistance. Reach us at 509-284-4265 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-efficient cooling solutions.