You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing setting during the summer.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We go over ideas from energy specialists so you can find the best temperature for your family.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Wausau.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and exterior temperatures, your cooling expenses will be bigger.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are approaches you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioning on constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—inside. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give added insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s since they freshen with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm on the surface, try doing an experiment for about a week. Start by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively decrease it while following the advice above. You might be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning working all day while your house is empty. Turning the temperature 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and usually results in a higher electricity bills.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your settings under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a hassle-free remedy, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links 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? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise running a similar test over a week, setting your temperature higher and steadily lowering it to select the right temp for your house. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior idea than running the air conditioner.
More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are added methods you can spend less money on AC bills throughout the summer.
- Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping utility
bills low. - Book yearly air conditioning tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating properly and could help it run more efficiently. It might also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it allows technicians to discover small problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and drive up your energy
expenses. - Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened as it’s aged can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort troubles in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air indoors.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Gilray Heating and Cooling
If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Gilray Heating and Cooling pros can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 715-301-0727 or contact us online for more details about our energy-conserving cooling products.