You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at the right temp during warm days.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy pros so you can choose the best temperature for your home.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Shamokin and Sunbury.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and exterior temperatures, your AC expenses will be larger.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are methods you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioning running all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cold air where it should be—indoors. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide extra insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s since they refresh with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable on the surface, try doing a test for about a week. Get started by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually lower it while following the ideas above. You might be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner going all day while your house is unoccupied. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t effective and usually results in a higher air conditioner bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.
If you need a handy fix, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $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 adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that might be too chilly, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend following a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and steadily turning it down to determine the best temperature for your house. On cool nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional approaches you can save money on energy bills throughout the summer.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electricity bills low.
- Set yearly air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running properly and could help it operate at better efficiency. It can also help prolong its life span, since it enables pros to pinpoint small issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too much, and increase your electrical.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort troubles in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air indoors.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc.
If you need to save more energy this summer, our LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. professionals can assist you. Give us a call at 570-648-0748 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling products.