You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant temp during the summer.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We review recommendations from energy professionals so you can select the best temp for your loved ones.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Troy.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outdoor warmth, your utility expenses will be larger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are methods you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioner running frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—within your home. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give added insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s because they freshen with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm at first glance, try doing a trial for approximately a week. Begin by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually turn it down while following the tips above. You could be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC working all day while your home is unoccupied. Switching the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t effective and often results in a higher cooling cost.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temp under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a convenient solution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, 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 following a similar test over a week, setting your temp higher and slowly lowering it to choose the ideal temp for your family. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than operating the AC.
More Methods to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are additional approaches you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping AC
costs small. - Schedule annual AC tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating smoothly and may help it work more efficiently. It might also help prolong its life span, since it enables pros to uncover little troubles before they create an expensive meltdown.
- Change air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too often, and raise your energy
costs. - Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences 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 require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated as it’s aged can seep conditioned 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 holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air within your home.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Edington Heating & Cooling Inc
If you need to use less energy during hot weather, our Edington Heating & Cooling Inc experts can help. Give us a call at 937-558-9478 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-conserving cooling products.