You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temp during hot days.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We review suggestions from energy specialists so you can find the best temperature 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 major difference between your interior and outdoor warmth, your AC costs will be larger.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds hot, there are approaches you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioning on frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created 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 higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable initially, try running a trial for a week or so. Get started by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily turn it down while adhering to the ideas above. You might be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner 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 cooling bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a bigger AC bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a handy resolution, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for many families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest running a comparable test over a week, moving your temperature higher and gradually decreasing it to determine the ideal temp for your residence. On mild nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior option than running the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Save Energy During Hot Weather
There are additional approaches you can save money on cooling bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electricity expenses small.
- Schedule regular air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working properly and could help it operate more efficiently. It could also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it enables professionals to spot seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and drive up your electrical.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort problems in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.
Use Less Energy This Summer with Lakeside Heating & Air
If you want to use less energy this summer, our Lakeside Heating & Air experts can help. Give us a call at 509-284-4265 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling options.
