You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at the right temp during warm days.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy experts so you can find the best temperature for your family.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Lincoln.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your electrical expenses will be greater.
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 approaches you can keep your home pleasant without having the AC running frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—within your home. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver extra insulation and better energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they cool by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try conducting a test for approximately a week. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily turn it down while adhering to the advice above. You could be amazed at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC running all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t productive and often produces a more expensive air conditioner expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temp controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you leave.
If you want a hassle-free solution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for the majority of families. Most 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, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest trying a similar test over a week, setting your temp higher and steadily lowering it to pinpoint the right temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than operating the AC.
More Ways to Save Energy During Hot Weather
There are other approaches you can save money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping electricity expenses small.
- Book regular air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and might help it run more efficiently. It may also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it enables professionals to spot little issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too frequently, and increase your cooling.
- Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air inside.
Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with AW Heating & Air Conditioning
If you need to use less energy this summer, our AW Heating & Air Conditioning professionals can help. Give us a call at 402-438-7992 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling products.
