You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a refreshing temp during the summer.

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

Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Winnipeg.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outdoor temperatures, your electrical bills will be larger.

These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are methods you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioner running constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cold air where it should be—inside. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give added insulation and better energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they cool with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable initially, try doing an experiment for a week or so. Get started by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily turn it down while using the ideas above. You might be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner going all day while your home is empty. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t effective and often leads to a more expensive cooling cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temperature controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.

If you want a convenient resolution, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of getting 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 recommends 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, due to your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise trying an equivalent test over a week, moving your temp higher and steadily decreasing it to choose the ideal temperature for your family. On mild nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior solution than operating the air conditioning.

More Ways to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra approaches you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping AC bills low.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating properly and might help it operate at better efficiency. It could also help lengthen its life cycle, since it allows pros to pinpoint little problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too often, and raise your electricity.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort troubles in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air indoors.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning

If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning professionals can assist you. Get in touch with us at 204-272-8128 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.