Millions of Americans are facing heat and humidity this weekend, particularly in the eastern U.S.
According to Tom Kinnes, a meteorologist with Accuweather, many people are finally experiencing what could be considered true summer weather for the first time this season. He mentioned, “A lot of those folks are wondering, where is summer? Well, it’s on its way, so they’re just waiting.”
High humidity can make temperatures exceeding 90 degrees feel as much as 20 degrees hotter. This weekend, places in Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa will likely notice the heat more than others.
If the heat prompts you to crank up your air conditioning, you might want to consider that doing so could lead to higher bills. Some tips can help manage cooling costs without making you too uncomfortable. For instance, Energy Star—run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy—suggests setting your thermostat at least 7°F higher when you’re away and about 4°F higher while you sleep.
However, there’s been some criticism regarding Energy Star’s lack of precise temperature recommendations, which seems to confuse some users. A document they released back in 2009 is said to include various temperature suggestions for summer and winter.
Some misinterpret Energy Star’s advice, thinking it suggests keeping the thermostat at or above 78°F when starting the day and adjusting up to at least 85°F during the day before reducing it again in the evening. In truth, their guideline is meant to offer a baseline that can be modified according to your daily routine and preferences. Adjusting your thermostat in the recommended ranges can potentially save on energy costs without causing too much discomfort.
It’s also worth noting the duration for which you set your thermostat. Energy Star advises maintaining a “long-term energy-saving temperature.” If you plan to be away for a weekend or more, it’s recommended to keep it at a constant energy-saving setting.
For additional savings, it could be useful to look into getting a smart thermostat, perform yearly checks on your HVAC system, and change air filters monthly. Also, checking on your ceiling fan could be beneficial—as those small adjustments might help you stay cooler and possibly reduce air conditioning costs by nearly 14%. Even certain buttons in your car that often get overlooked can help maintain a comfortable temperature while also saving money.
