You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant setting during warm days.

But what is the right temp, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy pros so you can choose the best temperature for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and outdoor 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 seems too high, there are ways you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioning going frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver more insulation and enhanced energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try conducting a test for approximately a week. Start by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively decrease it while using the tips above. You might be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning working all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and typically leads to a higher cooling cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temperature in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a convenient resolution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that may be too cool, based on your PJ and blanket preference.

We suggest following a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and gradually turning it down to find the ideal temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

There are other ways you can conserve money on air conditioning bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping electricity bills down.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating properly and may help it work at better efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it allows professionals to find seemingly insignificant problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too much, and increase your cooling.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort troubles in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air indoors.

Use Less Energy This Summer with Northern Comfort Inc

If you are looking to use less energy during warm weather, our Northern Comfort Inc professionals can assist you. Give us a call at 507-387-6596 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling products.