You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temperature during muggy weather.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy pros so you can select the best temperature for your loved ones.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Justin.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and exterior temps, your electricity 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 sounds too high, there are ways you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioning going all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide more insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too hot at first glance, try conducting a trial for approximately a week. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually turn it down while adhering to the tips above. You could be surprised at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning on all day while your home is empty. Switching the temperature 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and often results in a bigger electricity cost.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temp in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a handy fix, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend trying a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and slowly decreasing it to select the ideal temp for your house. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than operating the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Save Energy This Summer
There are extra ways you can save money on AC bills throughout warm weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping energy
costs down. - Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working properly and could help it operate at greater efficiency. It can also help prolong its life span, since it helps technicians to uncover seemingly insignificant problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and drive up your utility
expenses. - Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over the years can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort issues in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air inside.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Pepper AC & Htg Inc
If you are looking to use less energy during warm weather, our Pepper AC & Htg Inc professionals can provide assistance. Give us a call at 940-202-1184 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-efficient cooling solutions.