You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temp during warm days.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy professionals so you can find the best temperature for your home.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Winnipeg.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and exterior temps, your electricity expenses will be greater.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are ways you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioning going all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give more insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s since they refresh with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try running a test for a week or so. Start by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily decrease it while following the tips above. You might be surprised at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner on all day while your residence is unoccupied. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t effective and usually leads to a bigger AC cost.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your settings controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you want a hassle-free solution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for many families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that may be too cool, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise trying an equivalent test over a week, moving your temp higher and gradually lowering it to choose the ideal setting for your family. On mild nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Save Energy During Hot Weather
There are extra ways you can conserve money on utility bills throughout hot weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping electricity bills low.
- Set yearly air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating like it should and might help it work at greater efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables pros to uncover little troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Change air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and raise your energy.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort issues in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air inside.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning
If you want to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning experts can help. Get in touch with us at 204-813-7767 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling options.
