You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at the right temperature during the summer.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We review suggestions from energy pros so you can select the best setting for your residence.

Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Rapid City.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and exterior temperatures, your electricity bills will be higher.

These are our suggestions 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 residence refreshing without having the air conditioning on all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver more insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s since they cool through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm at first glance, try doing a trial for approximately a week. Start by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively lower it while using the suggestions above. You might be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner running all day while your house is empty. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t effective and often produces a more expensive electrical expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temperature in check, but you need 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’re looking for a hassle-free remedy, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for maximum 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 almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, due to your pajama and blanket preference.

We suggest trying a similar test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and gradually decreasing it to choose the best setting for your house. On cool nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior idea than operating the AC.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy This Summer

There are extra methods you can conserve money on utility bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping energy costs low.
  2. Book regular air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and may help it run at greater efficiency. It can also help extend its life expectancy, since it enables pros to find seemingly insignificant troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your utility.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort troubles in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air within your home.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Street Heating and Cooling

If you need to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Street Heating and Cooling pros can assist you. Get in touch with us at 605-206-3915 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.