You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temperature during hot days.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We discuss advice from energy specialists so you can find the best temp for your loved ones.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in East Bernard.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outdoor temperatures, your electrical expenses will be greater.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are methods you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioner running constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer extra insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too hot on the surface, try running a trial for about a week. Get started by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily lower it while using the suggestions above. You may be shocked at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC running all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t effective and typically produces a higher AC bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a handy solution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest trying a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and slowly turning it down to pinpoint the best temperature for your residence. On cool nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior option than using the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are additional methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping AC expenses down.
- Book regular air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running like it should and may help it run at better efficiency. It can also help prolong its life span, since it allows technicians to spot small troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and raise your energy.
- Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort troubles in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air inside.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with E.B. Air
If you need to save more energy during warm weather, our E.B. Air experts can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 979-335-4262 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling options.