Whats the Most Energy-Efficient AC Setting?

You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant temp during muggy weather.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We review advice from energy experts so you can determine the best temp for your residence.

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 placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outdoor temperatures, your cooling costs will be bigger.

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 methods you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioning running all the time.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cool air where it should be—indoors. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide added insulation and improved energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they cool with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try doing an experiment for about a week. Begin by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually lower it while adhering to the tips above. You might be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning working all day while your residence is empty. Turning the temperature 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t effective and usually produces a more expensive AC cost.

A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your settings controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a handy remedy, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with 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 biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We suggest following an equivalent test over a week, setting your temp higher and slowly turning it down to choose the best setting for your family. On cool nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the air conditioner.

More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are extra approaches you can save money on energy bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electrical
  2. bills low.
  3. Book regular AC tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working smoothly and could help it operate more efficiently. It can also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it allows professionals to find little problems before they cause a big meltdown.
  4. Replace air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and raise your electricity
  5. expenses.
  6. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  7. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort issues in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  8. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air within your home.

Save More Energy This Summer with Street Heating and Cooling

If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Street Heating and Cooling specialists can assist you. Reach us at 605-206-3915 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling options.

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