You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a refreshing setting during summer weather.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We review advice from energy specialists so you can find the best setting for your residence.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Pocatello.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outside warmth, your utility bills will be higher.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are methods you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioning on frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—indoors. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer added insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s because they cool through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable initially, try doing a test for about a week. Get started by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily lower it while following the suggestions above. You might be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner running all day while your residence is empty. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t productive and often results in a more expensive cooling expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temp under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a convenient resolution, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that might be too cold, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend following a comparable test over a week, setting your temperature higher and steadily lowering it to find the right temp for your house. On cool nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior option than operating the AC.
More Ways to Save Energy During Hot Weather
There are added methods you can conserve money on AC bills throughout the summer.
- Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping energy expenses down.
- Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating properly and could help it work at greater efficiency. It can also help prolong its life expectancy, since it enables technicians to uncover seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and increase your electricity.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort problems in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy 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 This Summer with Vogts Heating & Air
If you are looking to use less energy this summer, our Vogts Heating & Air pros can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 208-244-7042 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling products.