has gripped much of the United States, and many are wondering how to stay cool without breaking the bank. The Energy Department claims that the ideal AC setting may surprise you. According to experts, making a few changes can save money and reduce strain on the grid.Simple changes can help you save money during this hot summer.
Multitudes from Kansas to Maine faced "
extreme heat risk," according to the National Weather Service, which warned of a dangerous
heat wave that is sweltering a large portion of the eastern United States on June 23.
Forecasters predict that the extreme heat will persist through the first half of the week before subsiding. High temperatures in over three dozen states, ranging from the Great Plains to the New England regions, are predicted to approach and even surpass 100 degrees, according to AccuWeather meteorologists, reported USA Today.
Much of the nation was still under heat warnings, which were issued over the weekend. Jonathan Erdman, a meteorologist with Weather.com, predicts that dozens of locations, primarily in the Northeast, will experience daily record highs, particularly through June 24.
McDonald’s boycott: Will locations shut down today? The key issues behind the protest When attempting to strike a balance between staying cool and reducing energy expenses, a common question arises as a heat wave engulfs much of the nation: Which temperature is ideal for your air conditioner?
Vicky Nguyen, the chief consumer investigative correspondent for NBC News, shared the recommended operating temperature for your air conditioner based on the Department of Energy.
With temperatures in the United States approaching 100°F, energy experts recommend setting air conditioning to 78°F for efficiency. This method of operating your air conditioner is the most efficient, Vicky Nguyen stated, as per a report by Today.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the ideal indoor temperature should be between 75 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.
The agency advises raising the temperature by 7 degrees when no one is home in order to save money and run the system more effectively.
Nguyen explained. "Be mindful of your pets, but keep it at 80."
Vicky Nguyen provided additional, less contentious expert advice on how to cut costs as a heat wave engulfs much of the United States this week.
Nguyen also provided other less controversial expert advice on how to save money during a heat wave, including setting the water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, taking shorter showers, using detergents that allow laundry to be done in cold water, cleaning or replacing air-conditioning filters every 1-2 months, unplugging or turning off electronics you're not using, running appliances only when they are full, closing curtains and drawing blinds to block sunlight, and conducting an energy audit, as quoted in a report by Today.
The Energy Department recommends setting it to 78°F at home and 80°F away.
Yes, but using ceiling fans and drawing blinds can help maintain comfort even when the thermostat is set higher.
