You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing temp during summer weather.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We go over advice from energy experts so you can choose the best setting for your family.
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 placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and exterior temperatures, your utility bills will be higher.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are methods you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioner on frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—inside. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver more insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable on the surface, try doing a trial for about a week. Get started by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually lower it while using the suggestions above. You might be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC running all day while your residence is vacant. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t productive and typically leads to a higher AC cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temp controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a hassle-free fix, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise following a comparable test over a week, putting your temp higher and progressively lowering it to determine the right temperature for your family. On pleasant nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior solution than operating the air conditioner.
More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are added methods you can spend less money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping energy expenses low.
- Schedule regular air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working like it should and might help it work more efficiently. It could also help extend its life cycle, since it allows techs to discover small troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too often, and drive up your utility.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most 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 let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort problems in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air indoors.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Lakeside Heating & Air
If you are looking to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Lakeside Heating & Air experts can help. Get in touch with us at 509-284-4265 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling products.
