You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at the right temp during hot days.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We review advice from energy professionals so you can determine the best temperature for your residence.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Norton.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outdoor warmth, your electricity bills 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 seems too high, there are ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioner running constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give added insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s because they refresh through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot at first glance, try doing an experiment for approximately a week. Get started by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually decrease it while following the tips above. You may be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning working all day while your home is vacant. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t productive and often results in a more expensive electricity expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temp under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a convenient remedy, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We recommend running a similar test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and gradually turning it down to locate the best temperature for your house. On pleasant nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the AC.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional methods you can save money on energy bills throughout the summer.
- Buy 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 house more comfortable while keeping electrical costs small.
- Book annual air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working properly and might help it run at better efficiency. It could also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it enables technicians to pinpoint seemingly insignificant problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and raise your energy.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air within your home.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with HCE Systems
If you want to conserve more energy during warm weather, our HCE Systems professionals can assist you. Give us a call at 276-302-0076 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling products.