You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temperature during hot days.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We review recommendations from energy specialists so you can choose the best setting for your house.
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 major difference between your interior and exterior temperatures, your cooling expenses will be larger.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are ways you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioner going constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver added insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s since they refresh by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm at first glance, try running a test for a week or so. Begin by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily turn it down while following the advice above. You could be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning on all day while your house is unoccupied. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t effective and usually leads to a higher cooling bill.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temperature in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a handy remedy, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend following a similar test over a week, moving your temperature higher and progressively decreasing it to pick the right temperature for your residence. On cool nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than using the AC.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are extra methods you can conserve money on energy bills throughout warm weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping cooling expenses small.
- Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and may help it work more efficiently. It can also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it allows pros to find little issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Change air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too much, and increase your electricity.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort issues in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air within your home.
Save More Energy This Summer with Vogts Heating & Air
If you are looking to save more energy during hot weather, our Vogts Heating & Air experts can assist you. Get in touch with us at 208-621-0129 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.