You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant temperature during the summer.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy pros so you can find the best temperature for your loved ones.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Moline.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and exterior temps, your utility expenses 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 seems too high, there are approaches you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioning running constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—within your home. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer more insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot at first glance, try conducting an experiment for a week or so. Start by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while following the advice above. You could be shocked at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner working all day while your residence is unoccupied. Turning the temp 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t effective and usually results in a more expensive electrical bills.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temperature in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you go.
If you need a handy solution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk 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 advises 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest following a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and steadily decreasing it to determine the best temp for your house. On mild nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior solution than operating the air conditioner.
More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional methods you can spend less money on energy bills throughout hot weather.
- Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping AC
costs low. - Set annual air conditioning tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating like it should and may help it run more efficiently. It may also help prolong its life expectancy, since it enables technicians to discover seemingly insignificant troubles before they create an expensive meltdown.
- Put in new air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too often, and drive up your electricity
costs. - Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort issues in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.
Use Less Energy This Summer with J.L. Brady Company LLC
If you want to conserve more energy this summer, our J.L. Brady Company LLC specialists can help. Reach us at 309-517-7511 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling options.