How cool is your home in the summer? Energy Star says set thermostat to 78 degrees
SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — With summer in full swing, many enjoy keeping cool in the comfort of their own homes. But just how cool should your home be to remain energy effecient?
The answer may not make you happy.
Energy Star recommends the following:
- 78 F when you’re home
- 85 F when you’re at work or away
- 82 F when you’re sleeping
Many people keep their thermostats between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
But recommendations set by Energy Star, a joint federal program run by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend temperatures no lower than 78 degrees when you are home.
An article from Consumer Reports says:
If you’re more heat-tolerant, you can experiment with the temperature, raising it 1 F at a time to see how it affects your comfort and your budget; 3 percent savings per degree adds up pretty quickly.
If you aren’t comfortable at 78 F, lower the temperature a degree at a time and let your system reach the new setting before ratcheting it down further.
Many people have window air conditioners, which makes it more difficult to get a consistent temperature throughout your home because the thermostat is inside the unit.
"That means getting the right comfort level is more trial and error," according to Consumer Reports. "Start with it set at 78 F and see how you feel. If you have a window unit in your bedroom, wait until 30 minutes or so before you go to bed to turn it on so that you’re not spending too much time cooling an empty room."
Energy Star says if any of the following statements, taken from this document, apply to you, you may want to consider making a change to the temperature inside your home.
SOME OF YOUR ROOMS ARE TOO HOT OR COLD
- Inadequate air sealing or insufficient insulation could be the cause. No matter how efficient your heating and cooling system is, if your home is not properly sealed and insulated, you will not be as comfortable and your system will have to work harder.
YOUR HOME HAS HUMIDITY PROBLEMS, EXCESSIVE DUST, OR ROOMS THAT NEVER SEEM TO GET COMFORTABLE
- Leaky or poorly insulated ductwork might be the cause. Because ducts are often concealed in walls, ceilings, attics, and basements, repairing them can be difficult. But there are things that you can do to improve duct performance in your house. Start by sealing leaks using mastic sealant or metal (foil) tape and insulating all the ducts that you can access such as those in the attic, crawlspace, basement, or garage. Never use ‘duct tape,’ as it is not long-lasting. Also make sure that the connections at vents and registers are well-sealed where they meet the floors, walls, and ceiling. These are common locations to find leaks and disconnected ductwork.
YOUR EQUIPMENT NEEDS FREQUENT REPAIRS AND YOUR ENERGY BILLS ARE GOING UP
In addition to the rise in energy costs, the age and condition of your heating and cooling equipment may have caused it to become less efficient.
- Change your air filter regularly. A clean filter will prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system, which can lead to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure. Check your filter every month, especially during winter and summer months, when use tends to be heavier. Change your filter if it's dirty— or at least every three months.
- Tune up your HVAC equipment. Proper maintenance by a qualified technician is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent future problems. Contractors get busy during summer and winter months, so it is best to check the cooling system in spring and the heating system in the fall. Plan the checkups around the beginning and end of daylight-saving time each spring and fall.
YOUR HEATING AND COOLING EQUIPMENT IS MORE THAN 10 YEARS OLD
- Consider replacing it with newer, more efficient equipment. And remember, high efficiency levels begin with ENERGY STAR
YOU LEAVE YOUR THERMOSTAT SET AT ONE CONSTANT TEMPERATURE
You could be missing a great energy-saving opportunity. You can set a programmable thermostat to adjust your home’s temperature at times when you’re regularly away or sleeping.
You can learn more about Energy Star recommendations here, and here.
