You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a pleasant temperature during the summer.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We go over ideas from energy specialists so you can determine the best temperature for your house.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in New Castle.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and exterior warmth, your electricity costs 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 appears too high, there are ways you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioner going frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver more insulation and better energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable at first glance, try running an experiment for a week or so. Get started by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily turn it down while adhering to the suggestions above. You might be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner working all day while your house is unoccupied. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t useful and often results in a higher AC bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temperature under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free solution, think about buying 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 the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest running an equivalent test over a week, setting your temp higher and slowly turning it down to locate the right temp 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 Approaches to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are extra methods you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout the summer.
- Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping AC expenses low.
- Set annual air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working properly and might help it run at greater efficiency. It might also help extend its life span, since it allows professionals to find little troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and raise your energy.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the USA don’t have enough 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 examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air within your home.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Central Heating & Plumbing
If you are looking to save more energy during hot weather, our Central Heating & Plumbing professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 724-401-1843 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.