You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temperature during muggy weather.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We review advice from energy pros so you can find the best temp for your house.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Moline.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your electricity bills 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 appears hot, there are ways you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioning on frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give added insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s since they freshen with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot on the surface, try conducting a trial for about a week. Start by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily turn it down while adhering to the ideas above. You might be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning going all day while your house is unoccupied. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t useful and typically produces a more expensive electricity bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temperature controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you go.
If you need a hassle-free fix, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest trying a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and steadily lowering it to find the best temp for your family. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior option than running the air conditioner.
More Methods to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are added ways you can conserve money on energy bills throughout warm weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping electrical costs down.
- Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating like it should and might help it work at better efficiency. It could also help lengthen its life span, since it helps pros to find small problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Change air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and increase your cooling.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the USA 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 examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort problems in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air inside.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Freed Heating & Air Conditioning
If you are looking to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Freed Heating & Air Conditioning pros can provide assistance. Reach us at 309-323-9584 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.