You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing setting during summer weather.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy experts so you can select the best temp for your house.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Warrenton.
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 inside and outside warmth, your utility bills will be higher.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems warm, there are approaches you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioner going all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—within your home. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide more insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable on the surface, try running a trial for a week or so. Get started by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively turn it down while using the advice above. You may be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC running all day while your residence is empty. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t productive and typically results in a higher electricity cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temp under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a hassle-free fix, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise using an equivalent test over a week, putting your temperature higher and progressively turning it down to choose the right temperature for your residence. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than operating the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are extra ways you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electricity bills low.
- Book regular air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating like it should and could help it run at greater efficiency. It could also help lengthen its life span, since it allows technicians to uncover small problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and increase your energy.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort issues in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning
If you need to use less energy during hot weather, our Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning pros can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 636-456-5041 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling products.