What’s the best air conditioner setting during extreme heat in Kansas? What experts say
Wichita continues to see a week of record-breaking heat, with Tuesday being the fourth consecutive day with triple-digit temperatures.
The city broke a record for the third day in a row Monday — with the hottest Aug. 21 recorded at 106 degrees Fahrenheit. The previous record for the date was 105 degrees set in 1896, according to the National Weather Service.
Over the weekend, Wichita broke two other daily high records — reaching 111 degrees Saturday, which breaks the previous Aug. 19 record of 105 set in 1936 and 2011, and 108 degrees Sunday, breaking the previous Aug. 20 record of 106 degrees in 1896 and 2001.
With more hot weather forecast in the coming days, it’s important to stay in cool locations. But using your air conditioner during high temperatures can lead to big bills. Thankfully, there are some tricks you can use to save money on your energy bill this week.
What to set your a/c at during extreme heat
According to the Kansas Corporation Commission, setting your thermostat to 78 degrees during hot temperatures could save you up to 10% on your energy bill.
Keeping your HVAC set to a cool temperature for a long period of time can overwork it, so if you can, program your thermostat to a bit of a higher temperature when you’re gone from your home or asleep. This will help you save money and also give your HVAC a needed break.
You should also keep appliances away from your thermostat to help your HVAC run properly. Heat radiating from appliances can disrupt the thermostat’s room temperature reading.
In a press release from Evergy, the energy company recommends changing HVAC filters once every three months to keep the air flowing as it should. For peak performance, change the filter monthly.
Additionally, there are other ways to stay cool while saving money this summer:
Make sure to seal all leaks that could be letting cool air out of your home. According to the Kansas Corporation Commission, one small leak is the same as having a 3-foot by 3-foot window open.
Use ceiling fans to cool instead of hiking up the air conditioning to help you save money. Running fans counterclockwise will produce a wind chill effect, according to the commission.
Unplug all electronics you’re not using. If something is plugged in, it can cause heat, even if the device is turned off.
Evergy also recommends avoiding ovens and instead cooking with small appliances, as they don’t produce as much heat. Keeping your blinds and shades closed and covering windows will also help keep the cold air inside.
If you experience a power outage, you can report it online to Evergy or by calling 888-544-4852. To see what areas of the city are without power in Wichita, you can view the online power outage map.
If you’re having trouble paying your energy bill, the Kansas Corporation Commission recommends you call United Way at 211 to get matched with an assistance program that fits your needs.
The commission has several programs listed on its website, including the Low-income Energy Assistance Program, which provides families with an annual benefit to pay energy bills.
What’s the forecast for the rest of the week in Wichita?
Wichita forecasters are expecting triple-digit temperatures this week. Here’s the forecast for the next five days, from the National Weather Service:
- Wednesday: 103 high, 78 low
- Thursday: 103 high, 78 low
- Friday: 103 high, 74 low
- Saturday: 96 high, 71 low
- Sunday: 91 high, 66 low
