You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant temperature during muggy weather.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We review suggestions from energy specialists so you can determine the best temp for your home.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Saint Louis.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and exterior warmth, your electrical costs will be bigger.
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 ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the AC going frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cold air where it should be—indoors. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide more insulation and enhanced energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm on the surface, try running a trial for approximately a week. Get started by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively turn it down while using the tips above. You might be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner running all day while your house is unoccupied. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t useful and often produces a higher electrical cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temperature in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a handy fix, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of getting 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 recommends 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise running a comparable test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and gradually turning it down to select the ideal temperature for your family. On mild nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior option than using the air conditioning.
More Ways to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are added approaches you can save money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping electrical expenses small.
- Set annual air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working like it should and might help it work more efficiently. It might also help extend its life expectancy, since it helps pros to find little issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged 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 USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort troubles in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air within your home.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating
If you are looking to use less energy this summer, our Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating specialists can assist you. Get in touch with us at 314-262-4541 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling products.