You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing temperature during hot days.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy pros so you can determine the best setting for your residence.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in East Bernard.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your utility bills 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 seems warm, there are ways you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioner going constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—indoors. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver extra insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s because they cool by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm at first glance, try conducting a test for approximately a week. Start by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually lower it while using the ideas above. You might be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC running all day while your home is unoccupied. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t effective and often leads to a bigger electricity cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temp in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.
If you need a convenient solution, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable 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 could be too chilly, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We recommend using a comparable test over a week, setting your temperature higher and steadily decreasing it to pinpoint the ideal setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior idea than running the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Save Energy During Hot Weather
There are extra approaches you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping electrical expenses down.
- Schedule regular air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working properly and could help it operate at greater efficiency. It can also help extend its life cycle, since it helps professionals to pinpoint small problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and increase your utility.
- Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort troubles in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.
Save More Energy This Summer with E.B. Air
If you need to conserve more energy this summer, our E.B. Air professionals can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 979-335-4262 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling products.