You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a pleasant temperature during summer weather.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We review ideas from energy specialists so you can choose the best temperature for your loved ones.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in West Valley City.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outside temps, your electrical bills will be higher.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems warm, there are ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the AC running frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—within your home. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver extra insulation and enhanced energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they refresh through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too hot at first glance, try conducting a test for a week or so. Get started by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively turn it down while following the tips above. You could be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC working all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t effective and typically produces a bigger air conditioner expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your settings in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a convenient remedy, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest running a similar test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and gradually lowering it to determine the ideal setting for your residence. On mild nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable option than operating the air conditioner.
More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are extra ways you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping AC costs small.
- Set regular air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working smoothly and may help it work at better efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life span, since it allows pros to discover small issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and increase your energy.
- Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the United States 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 seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort problems in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Select Comfort Systems
If you need to save more energy this summer, our Select Comfort Systems professionals can help. Give us a call at 801-305-4777 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling options.
