You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing setting during hot days.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We review suggestions from energy experts so you can choose the best setting for your home.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Norton.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and exterior temperatures, your electricity 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 hot, there are methods you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioning going frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—indoors. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give extra insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they refresh with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable initially, try conducting an experiment for approximately a week. Start by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually decrease it while following the suggestions above. You could be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC on all day while your house is vacant. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and typically leads to a more expensive AC cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a hassle-free resolution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise using a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and slowly turning it down to select the right temperature for your family. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than operating the air conditioning.
More Methods to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are extra ways you can conserve money on utility bills throughout warm weather.
- Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping AC costs down.
- Book regular air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working properly and may help it run more efficiently. It can also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables pros to spot small troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and increase your energy.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort issues in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air indoors.
Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with HCE Systems
If you are looking to save more energy this summer, our HCE Systems experts can help. Give us a call at 276-302-0076 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.