You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temp during muggy weather.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We go over ideas from energy experts 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 Thedford.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outdoor warmth, your AC expenses will be greater.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are approaches you can keep your home pleasant without having the AC on frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—inside. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer extra insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s because they cool with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm on the surface, try conducting a test for a week or so. Get started by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily decrease it while adhering to the ideas above. You might be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC working all day while your house is vacant. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t productive and usually produces a more expensive electricity expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temp under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free fix, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise running a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and gradually lowering it to locate the ideal setting for your residence. On cool nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior solution than running the AC.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are other ways you can spend less money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping electricity expenses down.
- Book annual air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working properly and might help it operate at greater efficiency. It could also help extend its life span, since it helps techs to spot little issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too frequently, and increase your cooling.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the U.S. 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 examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air within your home.
Save More Energy This Summer with Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning
If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning experts can provide assistance. Give us a call at 519-296-4437 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.