You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant setting during the summer.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy pros so you can select the best temp for your house.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Circleville.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outside temperatures, your electricity 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 seems warm, there are methods you can keep your residence refreshing without having the AC on frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give added insulation and enhanced energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s since they cool with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable on the surface, try conducting a test for about a week. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily turn it down while using the ideas above. You might be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner working all day while your home is empty. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t useful and usually leads to a more expensive electrical bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temp controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a handy fix, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest following an equivalent test over a week, moving your temperature higher and gradually lowering it to choose the right setting for your family. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior option than operating the air conditioning.
More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are other methods you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping electricity costs down.
- Book regular air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working smoothly and may help it run at greater efficiency. It may also help extend its life span, since it enables technicians to pinpoint little issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and raise your energy.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. 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 house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air within your home.
Save More Energy This Summer with Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling
If you want to use less energy during hot weather, our Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling pros can assist you. Give us a call at 740-474-5940 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling options.