You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a pleasant temp during summer weather.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We review suggestions from energy professionals so you can find the best setting for your loved ones.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Paxinos.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outside warmth, your AC expenses will be higher.
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 ways you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioner running constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give more insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s since they refresh with 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 on the surface, try running a test for approximately a week. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually decrease it while following the suggestions above. You could be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC on all day while your house is empty. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t productive and typically leads to a higher air conditioner bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temperature controlled, 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 solution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually 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 recommends 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for most families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise using a comparable test over a week, putting your temp higher and gradually decreasing it to pinpoint the ideal temp for your residence. On cool nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior option than using the air conditioning.
More Ways to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are extra approaches you can conserve money on air conditioning bills throughout hot weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electricity costs low.
- Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running properly and might help it run at better efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life cycle, since it allows technicians to uncover small issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and raise your energy.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort issues in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air inside.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc.
If you need to use less energy during hot weather, our LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. specialists can assist you. Get in touch with us at 570-648-0748 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling options.