You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing temp during muggy weather.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We review ideas from energy experts so you can choose the best setting for your residence.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Zelienople.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and outside temperatures, your electrical expenses 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 sounds too high, there are methods you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioning running constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—indoors. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give extra insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s since they freshen through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too hot on the surface, try running a test for approximately a week. Get started by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily decrease it while following the suggestions above. You might be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC on all day while your residence is unoccupied. Switching the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t effective and often leads to a more expensive electricity cost.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temperature under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.
If you want a handy remedy, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for many families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest running a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and gradually turning it down to choose the best temperature for your family. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better solution than running the air conditioner.
More Ways to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping AC
bills low. - Schedule annual air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working smoothly and could help it work at better efficiency. It may also help prolong its life span, since it enables professionals to discover seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to an expensive meltdown.
- Switch air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too often, and drive up your cooling
expenses. - Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened as it’s aged can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort issues in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air indoors.
Use Less Energy This Summer with Knoechel Heating Company
If you want to save more energy this summer, our Knoechel Heating Company professionals can help. Give us a call at 724-425-5852 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-efficient cooling products.