You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant temp during summer weather.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We review recommendations from energy experts so you can select the best temp for your house.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Chester.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and outdoor temps, your AC bills will be higher.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are approaches you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioning running all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver more insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot on the surface, try running a trial for approximately a week. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually lower it while following the suggestions above. You may be astonished at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC on all day while your home is vacant. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and often produces a bigger electricity bill.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your settings under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you go.
If you want a convenient resolution, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that could be too cold, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We recommend running an equivalent test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and progressively decreasing it to pinpoint the best setting for your house. On mild nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better option than running the AC.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are extra ways you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping cooling expenses down.
- Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running smoothly and could help it run more efficiently. It could also help extend its life expectancy, since it allows techs to spot seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and drive up your electrical.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.
Save More Energy This Summer with Korando Heating & Cooling, Inc.
If you want to save more energy during hot weather, our Korando Heating & Cooling, Inc. specialists can help. Give us a call at 618-826-2151 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling options.
