You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temperature during the summer.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We go over advice from energy pros so you can choose the best temperature for your family.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Litchfield Park.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outdoor temperatures, your electrical costs 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 seems warm, there are methods you can keep your home cool without having the AC going constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give added insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try conducting an experiment for approximately a week. Get started by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily turn it down while adhering to the suggestions above. You might be shocked at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner running all day while your residence is vacant. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and usually leads to a more expensive cooling cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temp in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a convenient fix, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for many families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest running a comparable test over a week, putting your temperature higher and steadily turning it down to choose the best setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior option than operating the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are extra ways you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping AC expenses small.
- Book regular air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working properly and may help it work at greater efficiency. It can also help extend its life expectancy, since it helps pros to find seemingly insignificant issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your electrical.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort issues in your residence, 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 cold air inside.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Cooler Tymes LLC
If you need to save more energy during hot weather, our Cooler Tymes LLC professionals can help. Give us a call at 623-208-6444 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling products.