You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing temp during warm days.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy pros so you can choose the best setting for your loved ones.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Rapid City.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outdoor temperatures, your utility 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 sounds warm, there are methods you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioning on frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—indoors. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give added insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s since they cool with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot on the surface, try conducting a test for approximately a week. Get started by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while adhering to the suggestions above. You may be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner on all day while your home is empty. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t effective and often results in a more expensive electrical expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your settings under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a convenient solution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that might be too cold, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest using a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and gradually lowering it to pick the right setting for your house. On cool nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior option than using the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are extra methods you can spend less money on energy bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping energy expenses low.
- Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and may help it work at greater efficiency. It could also help prolong its life expectancy, since it enables techs to pinpoint seemingly insignificant problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too often, and drive up your utility.
- Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort issues in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air indoors.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Precision Mechanical
If you want to save more energy during warm weather, our Precision Mechanical experts can provide assistance. Reach us at 605-702-0850 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling products.
