You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant setting during muggy weather.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy experts so you can choose the best setting for your house.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Hasbrouck Heights.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and exterior temps, your electrical costs will be larger.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are methods you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner running constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cold air where it should be—within your home. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver more insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s because they freshen with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot initially, try doing a trial for a week or so. Get started by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily lower it while following the tips above. You might be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner on all day while your house is empty. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t useful and often produces a bigger AC bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your settings in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you go.
If you want a hassle-free resolution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise trying a comparable test over a week, putting your temperature higher and progressively lowering it to select the best temperature for your residence. On cool nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than running the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Save Energy During Hot Weather
There are extra approaches you can spend less money on air conditioning bills throughout warm weather.
- Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping utility costs down.
- Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running smoothly and could help it work more efficiently. It may also help prolong its life expectancy, since it enables professionals to uncover little troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too much, and increase your energy.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most 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 leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.
Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with ACE Solutions
If you need to save more energy during warm weather, our ACE Solutions pros can assist you. Reach us at 201-579-2562 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling options.