You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a refreshing setting during the summer.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We go over ideas from energy specialists so you can select the best temp for your home.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Wausau.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and exterior temps, your electricity costs 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 seems warm, there are approaches you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioning running constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cold air where it should be—indoors. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver extra insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s since they freshen by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try conducting a test for about a week. Start by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually lower it while adhering to the tips above. You could be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC going all day while your home is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t productive and often leads to a bigger AC expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your settings under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a handy remedy, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend following a comparable test over a week, moving your temp higher and slowly turning it down to pick the right temperature for your family. On cool nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior solution than operating the AC.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are extra methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping utility bills down.
- Schedule regular air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating properly and may help it run more efficiently. It might also help prolong its life expectancy, since it helps techs to discover seemingly insignificant problems before they create a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and increase your electricity.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort troubles in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air inside.
Use Less Energy This Summer with Gilray Heating and Cooling
If you need to save more energy during warm weather, our Gilray Heating and Cooling pros can assist you. Reach us at 715-301-0727 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.