You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a refreshing temp during muggy weather.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We review recommendations from energy experts so you can select the best temp for your loved ones.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Shamokin and Sunbury.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outdoor temperatures, your AC bills 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 ways you can keep your residence cool without having the AC on all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cold air where it should be—within your home. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer added insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s because they refresh with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm initially, try running a test for a week or so. Begin by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily turn it down while using the advice above. You might be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning on all day while your house is empty. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and usually results in a bigger electricity expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temp in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a convenient fix, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from almost 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 sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest following a similar test over a week, setting your temp higher and slowly turning it down to locate the ideal temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior solution than operating the AC.
More Methods to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are additional approaches you can save money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping cooling expenses down.
- Schedule yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running properly and could help it operate more efficiently. It could also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables techs to uncover small issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too frequently, and raise your electrical.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort issues in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air indoors.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc.
If you are looking to use less energy during warm weather, our LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. pros can assist you. Reach us at 570-648-0748 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling products.