You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant temp during the summer.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy experts so you can determine the best temp for your loved ones.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Highlands Ranch.
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 indoor and outdoor warmth, your electricity costs 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 warm, there are approaches you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioner going constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cold air where it should be—indoors. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give extra insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too hot on the surface, try conducting a trial for about a week. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively turn it down while adhering to the advice above. You may be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner working all day while your house is vacant. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t productive and often results in a higher electrical expense.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temp in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a hassle-free resolution, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest running an equivalent test over a week, setting your temperature higher and progressively turning it down to pinpoint the best setting for your residence. On cool nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better solution than using the AC.
More Ways to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are added methods you can spend less money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electricity expenses down.
- Schedule yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working properly and could help it run at better efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables professionals to uncover small issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and increase your cooling.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort issues in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air inside.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with PS Cool Heat
If you want to use less energy this summer, our PS Cool Heat specialists can assist you. Get in touch with us at 720-613-2210 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling options.
