You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temp during muggy weather.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We review ideas from energy pros so you can choose the best setting for your home.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Spokane.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your electrical bills 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 ways you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioning running all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cool air where it should be—inside. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver added insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot on the surface, try conducting an experiment for about a week. Get started by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually turn it down while following the tips above. You could be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner going all day while your residence is unoccupied. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t effective and usually results in a bigger air conditioner bill.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your settings controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a hassle-free solution, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest running a comparable test over a week, putting your temp higher and steadily lowering it to pick the right temp for your residence. On mild nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior idea than operating the AC.
More Ways to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are added approaches you can spend less money on air conditioning bills throughout hot weather.
- Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping AC bills down.
- Schedule regular air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working like it should and could help it run at greater efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life span, since it helps technicians to uncover small issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and drive up your electricity.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort issues in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air indoors.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Bigfoot Heating & Cooling
If you want to save more energy during warm weather, our Bigfoot Heating & Cooling experts can assist you. Get in touch with us at 509-472-8623 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling options.
