You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a refreshing temp during the summer.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We review ideas from energy pros so you can determine the best temp for your home.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Circleville.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and exterior temperatures, your electricity expenses will be larger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are approaches you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioning on constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—within your home. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give 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 hotter without compromising comfort. That’s since they freshen by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable at first glance, try running an experiment for about a week. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily turn it down while adhering to the suggestions above. You could be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC on all day while your residence is empty. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t productive and usually results in a bigger AC expense.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temperature in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a handy resolution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that may be too chilly, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest using an equivalent test over a week, moving your temperature higher and slowly turning it down to select the best setting for your residence. On cool nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better solution than operating the air conditioning.
More Ways to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional approaches you can conserve money on energy bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping AC bills low.
- Schedule yearly air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and might help it operate at greater efficiency. It might also help prolong its life cycle, since it allows professionals to pinpoint seemingly insignificant issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too frequently, and increase your electricity.
- Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort issues in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air indoors.
Use Less Energy This Summer with Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling
If you need to conserve more energy this summer, our Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling pros can provide assistance. Give us a call at 740-474-5940 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling products.