You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at the right temperature during summer weather.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We review suggestions from energy pros so you can find the best temp for your family.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Branchville.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and outside temperatures, your AC costs will be bigger.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are approaches you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioner on all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give more insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they cool by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm at first glance, try conducting an experiment for a week or so. Get started by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the ideas above. You could be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning on all day while your house is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t effective and usually results in a bigger AC cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temp in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free solution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest using a comparable test over a week, moving your temp higher and steadily decreasing it to select the best temperature for your family. On mild nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior option than operating the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional approaches you can save money on air conditioning bills throughout warm weather.
- Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping AC expenses low.
- Set regular air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and could help it work more efficiently. It could also help prolong its life span, since it allows techs to spot seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and raise your utility.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort troubles in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air within your home.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc.
If you want to conserve more energy this summer, our Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. pros can assist you. Reach us at 862-345-6896 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling options.
