You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant setting during hot days.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We discuss advice from energy specialists so you can select the best temp for your loved ones.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Circleville.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and exterior temperatures, your cooling costs 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 appears too high, there are ways you can keep your home cool without having the AC going all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give more insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm at first glance, try conducting a trial for a week or so. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively decrease it while adhering to the suggestions above. You might be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning running all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t productive and typically results in a higher electrical bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your settings in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you go.
If you want a convenient fix, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We recommend following a similar test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and steadily turning it down to determine the right temperature for your residence. On cool nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than operating the air conditioning.
More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are additional ways you can save money on energy bills throughout warm weather.
- Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electricity bills small.
- Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working smoothly and might help it work at better efficiency. It could also help prolong its life cycle, since it helps technicians to discover small issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and drive up your cooling.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the United States 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 should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort problems in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air within your home.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling
If you need to use less energy this summer, our Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling pros can provide assistance. Reach us at 740-474-5940 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.