You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a refreshing setting during hot days.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We discuss advice 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 Omaha.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and exterior temperatures, your utility expenses will be greater.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are approaches you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioning on all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver extra insulation and better energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s since they cool by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable at first glance, try conducting a trial for about a week. Begin by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively decrease it while using the suggestions above. You might be amazed at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning going all day while your residence is empty. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t effective and usually leads to a more expensive electrical expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temp under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free fix, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend trying an equivalent test over a week, setting your temp higher and gradually decreasing it to pick the best temp for your family. On mild nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior option than using the air conditioning.
More Ways to Save Energy This Summer
There are additional approaches you can conserve money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping AC costs small.
- Book yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating properly and may help it work at greater efficiency. It could also help extend its life expectancy, since it enables technicians to spot seemingly insignificant problems before they create a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too much, and raise your utility.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort issues in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air indoors.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with The Frazier Company
If you need to use less energy this summer, our The Frazier Company experts can provide assistance. Give us a call at 402-628-0206 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.
