You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at the right temperature during muggy weather.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We review recommendations from energy specialists so you can find the best temp for your home.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Eastland.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and exterior temperatures, your utility costs will be greater.
These are our suggestions 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 refreshing without having the AC going frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—within your home. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give added insulation and enhanced energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s because they cool with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm on the surface, try doing an experiment for approximately a week. Start by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily turn it down while following the suggestions above. You might be shocked at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning running all day while your home is empty. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t productive and typically leads to a higher AC bill.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your settings in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a handy solution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We recommend following a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and steadily turning it down to find the best temp for your house. On mild nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than using the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are extra ways you can conserve money on cooling 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. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping electricity expenses down.
- Schedule regular air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating properly and might help it operate more efficiently. It could also help prolong its life span, since it allows technicians to find seemingly insignificant troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Change air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too much, and raise your electricity.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort issues in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air within your home.
Save More Energy This Summer with J & J Air Conditioning
If you want to save more energy during warm weather, our J & J Air Conditioning professionals can help. Give us a call at 254-505-3248 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling options.
