You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant temp during warm days.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We go over advice from energy professionals so you can find the best temperature for your residence.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Litchfield Park.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and outside warmth, your electrical costs 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 methods you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioner on all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide extra insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they freshen with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try running a test for approximately a week. Start by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually lower it while following the advice above. You could be astonished at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner working all day while your house is empty. Switching the temperature 7¬¬–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and usually produces a bigger cooling bills.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you go.
If you need a hassle-free resolution, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from just about 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 cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest using a similar test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and steadily lowering it to choose the ideal temperature for your family. On cool nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior option than running the air conditioning.
More Methods to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are added approaches you can save money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping electrical
costs low. - Book regular air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and might help it run more efficiently. It could also help prolong its life expectancy, since it allows pros to pinpoint little problems before they create an expensive meltdown.
- Change air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and raise your energy
costs. - Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated as it’s aged can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort issues in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.
Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Cooler Tymes LLC
If you want to save more energy this summer, our Cooler Tymes LLC experts can help. Get in touch with us at 623-208-6444 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-conserving cooling options.