You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at the right temperature during the summer.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy pros so you can select the best temperature for your residence.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Greensburg.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and outdoor temperatures, your cooling expenses 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 appears too high, there are methods you can keep your house cool without having the AC on constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver more insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they refresh with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot initially, try running a test for a week or so. Begin by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively turn it down while using the suggestions above. You could be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning going all day while your home is empty. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t effective and usually leads to a bigger cooling bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a convenient fix, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for the majority of 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, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend using a similar test over a week, moving your temperature higher and progressively lowering it to determine the best temp for your residence. On mild nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior idea than operating the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are other approaches you can save money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping cooling expenses low.
- Book yearly air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating like it should and could help it work at better efficiency. It could also help prolong its life cycle, since it enables technicians to uncover seemingly insignificant problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and drive up your electrical.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes 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 should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort issues in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Wallpe Heating & Cooling
If you are looking to conserve more energy this summer, our Wallpe Heating & Cooling professionals can assist you. Give us a call at 812-663-7252 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.