You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temp during hot days.

But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy specialists so you can determine the best temp for your house.

Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Troy.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and exterior warmth, your utility bills will be bigger.

These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems warm, there are approaches you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioning going constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—inside. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver extra insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too hot at first glance, try conducting a trial for approximately a week. Get started by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually lower it while following the suggestions above. You may be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning on all day while your house is vacant. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t useful and usually produces a bigger electricity cost.

A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your settings controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a convenient remedy, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the biggest 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 monitor and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, due to your clothing and blanket preference.

We advise running an equivalent test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and gradually turning it down to pick the right temp for your family. On cool nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the air conditioner.

More Methods to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra methods you can save money on utility bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping AC costs small.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working smoothly and might help it run at greater efficiency. It can also help extend its life cycle, since it helps professionals to pinpoint small issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too often, and increase your electrical.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort troubles in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air within your home.

Use Less Energy This Summer with Edington Heating & Cooling Inc

If you need to save more energy during warm weather, our Edington Heating & Cooling Inc experts can help. Reach us at 937-558-9478 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling products.