You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at the right temperature during the summer.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We review ideas from energy professionals so you can find the best setting for your house.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Warminster.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and outdoor temps, your electrical 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 too high, there are methods you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioner on constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—inside. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide extra insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they cool with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try doing a test for approximately a week. Get started by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily decrease it while using the advice above. You may be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner going all day while your residence is vacant. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t productive and often produces a bigger cooling cost.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a handy fix, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise trying a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and gradually turning it down to locate the ideal setting for your residence. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior idea than using the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are other methods you can save money on air conditioning bills throughout the summer.
- Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping electrical expenses low.
- Set regular air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating like it should and might help it operate at better efficiency. It can also help extend its life expectancy, since it helps techs to pinpoint little issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Change air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too often, and increase your electrical.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort issues in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Retro HVAC Service & Installation
If you want to save more energy this summer, our Retro HVAC Service & Installation experts can help. Reach us at 267-485-6219 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.