You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at the right temperature during muggy weather.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy specialists so you can find the best temp for your family.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Eugene.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outdoor warmth, your electricity costs will be higher.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems warm, there are methods you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioning going all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—within your home. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give extra insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they cool with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm at first glance, try doing an experiment for a week or so. Start by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily lower it while adhering to the tips above. You may be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC working all day while your home is empty. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t effective and usually produces a higher cooling bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.
If you need a handy solution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest following a comparable test over a week, setting your temperature higher and slowly lowering it to determine the best setting for your house. On cool nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are other methods you can conserve money on utility bills throughout warm weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping electrical costs low.
- Book yearly air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running like it should and might help it run at better efficiency. It can also help prolong its life expectancy, since it enables pros to discover small problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too often, and drive up your energy.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air inside.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Home Comfort
If you want to save more energy during warm weather, our Home Comfort professionals can assist you. Get in touch with us at 541-345-2838 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.