You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a refreshing temp during warm days.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We review recommendations from energy specialists so you can find the best setting for your loved ones.
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 most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outside temps, your utility costs will be larger.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are ways you can keep your house cool without having the AC running constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—inside. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer extra insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s since 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 feels too uncomfortable at first glance, try running a trial for a week or so. Get started by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively decrease it while using the tips above. You may be shocked at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning running all day while your house is unoccupied. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t useful and often leads to a higher air conditioner expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your settings in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.
If you need a convenient resolution, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of using 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 might be unbearable for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest using an equivalent test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and gradually decreasing it to choose the ideal temperature for your family. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable option than using the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are extra approaches you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping energy costs down.
- Schedule regular air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working like it should and may help it run at better efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life cycle, since it helps professionals to uncover little problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and drive up your electricity.
- Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 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 result in huge comfort troubles in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air indoors.
Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with AW Heating & Air Conditioning
If you are looking to conserve more energy during hot weather, our AW Heating & Air Conditioning experts can help. Get in touch with us at 402-438-7992 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling products.
