You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at the right temp during summer weather.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over ideas from energy professionals so you can find the best setting for your house.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Chester.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and exterior temperatures, your electricity bills will be bigger.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are ways you can keep your house cool without having the AC going all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver added insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm on the surface, try doing an experiment for about a week. Begin by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually lower it while using the advice above. You might be amazed at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner working all day while your home is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t effective and often results in a bigger AC expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temp in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a handy fix, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise running an equivalent test over a week, moving your temp higher and steadily decreasing it to pinpoint the ideal temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better option than using the air conditioning.
More Methods to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are extra ways you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping utility expenses down.
- Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working smoothly and might help it operate at better efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life cycle, since it allows technicians to spot seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and raise your electrical.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort problems in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.
Use Less Energy This Summer with Korando Heating & Cooling, Inc.
If you need to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Korando Heating & Cooling, Inc. professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 618-826-2151 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling products.
