You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant setting during hot days.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy professionals so you can choose the best setting for your residence.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Winnipeg.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your cooling bills 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 warm, there are methods you can keep your house pleasant without having the AC running frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—inside. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver more insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s because they refresh with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot on the surface, try doing a trial for about a week. Begin by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the suggestions above. You could be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC on all day while your residence is unoccupied. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t effective and typically produces a higher electrical expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a handy solution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for many families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend following an equivalent test over a week, putting your temperature higher and slowly decreasing it to determine the ideal temperature for your house. On cool nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior option than operating the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are additional ways you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling 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 home cooler while keeping electricity bills small.
- Set regular air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running properly and may help it run more efficiently. It can also help prolong its life expectancy, since it helps professionals to pinpoint small problems before they create a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and increase your energy.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air indoors.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning
If you are looking to conserve more energy this summer, our Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning experts can assist you. Give us a call at 204-813-7767 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling products.
