Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer, is just ahead and that means temperatures are going to be going up soon.
And with summer temperatures and humidity, many Michiganders will be turning on their air conditioners and turning down the thermostat.
The U.S. Department of Energy says choosing the right temperature can provide both comfort and energy savings this summer.
“You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day from its normal setting. The percentage of savings from setback is greater for buildings in milder climates than for those in more severe climates,” DOE says.
Residents should aim to keep the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures as small possible to save the most money, the federal agency says.
DTE recommends Michiganders set their thermostats to 78 degrees and raise it a few degrees when you won’t be home.
According to a Consumer Reports survey of 2,280 U.S. adults in June 2021, the average temperature that Americans keep their thermostats set to is about 71 degrees during the day and night, the consumer advocacy group dais.
“The temperature varies a smidge by region, with Americans living in the South reporting that they set their temperatures the highest (72 degrees during the day and 71 degrees at night), and those living in the Northeast set it coldest (70 degrees both day and night),” Consumer Reports said.
Here are additional tips to efficiently cool your living space:
What should you set your thermostat to in the summer?
DTE Energy recommended previously that customers set their thermostat to 78 degrees and raise it a few degrees when they’re not home.
Every degree raised is a 1% to 3% cost savings on energy bills, DTE said.
How to stay cool in the summer
To help stay cool, reduce energy usage and maximize energy efficiency during hot weather, DTE Energy, Consumer Reports and Consumers Energy offer these tips:
What can I do to maintain my air conditioner?
USA Today contributed reporting.
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Summer heat is on way. How to get the most out of your air conditioner
Reporting by Jalen Williams, USA TODAY NETWORK / Detroit Free Press
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