You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at the right setting during summer weather.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We go over ideas from energy professionals so you can select the best temperature for your home.

Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Mankato area.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outdoor temperatures, your utility expenses will be higher.

These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are ways you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner on frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—indoors. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give extra insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s since they freshen with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too warm initially, try running an experiment for a week or so. Begin by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually turn it down while adhering to the advice above. You could be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner on all day while your house is unoccupied. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t effective and often leads to a bigger AC expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temperature under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you go.

If you want a hassle-free resolution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of getting 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. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, based on your clothing and blanket preference.

We suggest using an equivalent test over a week, moving your temp higher and steadily lowering it to select the ideal setting for your residence. On cool nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the air conditioning.

More Methods to Save Energy This Summer

There are other methods you can conserve money on AC bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping AC bills small.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating like it should and might help it work at better efficiency. It could also help prolong its life expectancy, since it enables professionals to spot small troubles before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and increase your cooling.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air inside.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Northern Comfort Inc

If you are looking to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Northern Comfort Inc experts can provide assistance. Reach us at 507-387-6596 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.