You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at the right temperature during hot days.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We review recommendations from energy professionals so you can choose the best temp for your home.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Rapid City.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and outside temps, your electrical costs will be bigger.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds hot, there are ways you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioner on frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give added insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they refresh with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm at first glance, try doing a trial for approximately a week. Begin by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually lower it while using the ideas above. You could be amazed at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning on all day while your house is vacant. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t useful and often leads to a more expensive air conditioner cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temperature controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a convenient fix, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We recommend using a comparable test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and steadily decreasing it to locate the best temp for your house. On mild nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than using the air conditioner.
More Methods to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are added methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electrical expenses down.
- Schedule yearly air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and could help it work more efficiently. It can also help lengthen its life cycle, since it helps techs to find small troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and raise your electrical.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort issues in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air within your home.
Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Precision Mechanical
If you want to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Precision Mechanical professionals can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 605-702-0850 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.
