You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant temperature during warm days.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy pros so you can find the best temperature for your loved ones.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Yukon.
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 indoor and outside temps, your cooling 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 sounds hot, there are ways you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioner running all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver extra insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they freshen with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try conducting an experiment for approximately a week. Start by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while following the ideas above. You could be amazed at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC running all day while your house is empty. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and often results in a more expensive electricity bill.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.
If you need a hassle-free solution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise trying a similar test over a week, setting your temp higher and steadily turning it down to locate the ideal temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior idea than running the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are added methods you can conserve money on AC bills throughout warm weather.
- Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electrical bills down.
- Book annual air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating smoothly and may help it run at greater efficiency. It can also help extend its life cycle, since it helps professionals to spot small problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and increase your electrical.
- Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort troubles in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning
If you are looking to save more energy during warm weather, our Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning experts can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 405-494-7444 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.
