Whats the Most Energy-Efficient AC Setting?

You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at the right setting during muggy weather.

But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We discuss advice from energy pros so you can determine the best setting for your family.

Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Wisconsin Rapids.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outside temperatures, your cooling costs 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 appears warm, there are ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioning on constantly.

Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cold air where it should be—inside. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give added insulation and improved energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable at first glance, try conducting a trial for about a week. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively lower it while using the tips above. You could be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning going all day while your house is empty. Turning the temperature 7¬¬–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a bigger air conditioner expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your settings controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a hassle-free solution, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise trying an equivalent test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and progressively lowering it to find the right setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than using the air conditioning.

More Methods to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra methods you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

1. Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping AC
bills low.
2. Book regular air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running properly and may help it work more efficiently. It might also help extend its life span, since it allows professionals to spot seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to an expensive meltdown.
3. Switch air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and drive up your electricity
expenses.
4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort problems in your house, including hot and cold spots.
6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air within your home.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc

If you are looking to use less energy during warm weather, our Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc experts can provide assistance. Reach us at 715-301-0256 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling products.