You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a pleasant temperature during warm days.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We review advice from energy professionals so you can find the best setting for your house.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Thedford.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outside warmth, your cooling bills 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 appears too high, there are ways you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioning running constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—inside. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer more insulation and better energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s since they refresh with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try conducting a test for about a week. Get started by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the ideas above. You may be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning running all day while your home is vacant. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t useful and typically results in a more expensive AC cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temperature under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you go.
If you want a handy solution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest trying a comparable test over a week, putting your temperature higher and steadily decreasing it to select the right temperature for your family. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the AC.
More Methods to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are additional approaches you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout the summer.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping cooling bills low.
- Schedule annual air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running properly and might help it operate more efficiently. It might also help prolong its life span, since it enables pros to discover small troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and increase your cooling.
- Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air within your home.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning
If you need to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning specialists can help. Give us a call at 519-296-4437 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling products.