(NEXSTAR) – Millions of Americans are expected to find themselves in the midst of stifling heat and uncomfortably sticky humidity as a heat dome covers much of the eastern U.S. this weekend.
This will be the first stretch of true summertime weather for many from the Midwest to the East Coast, said Tom Kines, a meteorologist at the private weather company AccuWeather.
“A lot of those folks have been saying, where’s summer? Well, buckle up, because it’s coming,” said Kines.
The humid conditions will make places that exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit feel as much as 20 degrees hotter, said Kines. The heat could be particularly worrisome this weekend across wide stretches of Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa, where forecasters are warning of extreme temperature impacts.
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That may inspire you to crank up your A/C, regardless of the bill it could leave you with later. There is, however, some advice that can help you stay cool without hurting your wallet too much.
Recommendations from Energy Star, a program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy, include turning up your thermostat at least 7°F when you’re away or at least 4°F when you’re asleep.
Energy Star does not, however, offer an exact temperature suggestion, and has faced heat for appearing to do so in the past. The table below from an Energy Star report on energy-efficient heating and cooling published in 2009 has been pointed to as recommended temperature settings for the summer and winter months.
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Misreading the guide, it may seem that Energy Star is suggesting starting your day with the thermostat set at 78°F or higher, then turning it up at least 7°F during the day (to at least 85°), bringing it back down in the evening, and turning it up to 82°F before going to bed.
Instead, the table is meant to serve as “a starting point” that can be adjusted based on your schedule and needs, an Energy Star spokesperson explained to Nexstar last summer. You don’t need to set your thermostat that high, but adjusting it by the 4°F and 7°F benchmarks in summer could help you save energy.
An example of programmable thermostat settings listed in an Energy Star heating and cooling guide. (Energy Star)
Another part of the table that shouldn’t be overlooked is the length of time for the settings. Energy Star recommends leaving your thermostat at “energy-saving temperatures for long periods of time.” If you’re going away for the weekend (or longer), it’s better to leave your thermostat at “a constant energy-saving temperature.”
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Energy Star has additional tips to help reduce energy costs, which include installing a smart thermostat, having your HVAC equipment checked yearly, and changing your air filter every month.
You may also want to check your ceiling fan — an often-overlooked button could help you stay cooler and (with a raised thermostat temperature) lower the cost of air conditioning by up to 14%. A similarly forgotten button in your car may also help keep you cooler while saving you a few bucks while driving.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
