You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant setting during the summer.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy experts so you can find the best temperature for your home.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Zelienople.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and exterior warmth, your electricity costs 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 hot, there are ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioning going all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—indoors. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide extra insulation and better energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s since they freshen through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable at first glance, try conducting an experiment for approximately a week. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while using the tips above. You may be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC going all day while your residence is empty. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t productive and often produces a higher AC bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temperature in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a handy fix, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest following a similar test over a week, setting your temperature higher and steadily lowering it to pinpoint the best setting for your residence. On cool nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than operating the air conditioning.
More Ways to Save Energy During Hot Weather
There are extra ways you can conserve money on air conditioning bills throughout warm 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 become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping AC expenses low.
- Book annual air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating smoothly and could help it work at greater efficiency. It could also help extend its life cycle, since it enables techs to pinpoint little issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and increase your utility.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort troubles in your residence, like 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 conditioned air indoors.
Save More Energy This Summer with Knoechel Heating
If you need to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Knoechel Heating pros can provide assistance. Reach us at 724-425-5852 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling products.