You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at the right temperature during the summer.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We review ideas from energy specialists so you can select the best setting for your home.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Loganville.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outdoor temperatures, your utility bills will be bigger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are methods you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioner on constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer added insulation and enhanced energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they freshen with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too hot initially, try doing a trial for a week or so. Get started by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually lower it while using the ideas above. You may be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner going all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t effective and often leads to a bigger AC bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temp controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you go.
If you need a handy remedy, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that might be too cool, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise following a comparable test over a week, moving your temperature higher and slowly decreasing it to pinpoint the ideal setting for your family. On cool nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the air conditioning.
More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are extra ways you can conserve money on air conditioning bills throughout warm weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping electricity costs small.
- Set annual air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating smoothly and might help it run more efficiently. It might also help extend its life expectancy, since it allows technicians to spot little problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and drive up your energy.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort troubles in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Tony Beck Heating & Cooling
If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Tony Beck Heating & Cooling specialists can provide assistance. Reach us at 770-466-2924 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling options.
