You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant temperature during hot days.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We review ideas 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 New Castle.
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 exterior warmth, your utility bills 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 seems hot, there are approaches you can keep your home refreshing without having the AC running constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver more insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot initially, try doing a trial for approximately a week. Start by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually lower it while following the advice above. You could be astonished at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC on all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t useful and usually produces a more expensive cooling cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your settings under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.
If you want a hassle-free resolution, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise running an equivalent test over a week, setting your temperature higher and slowly turning it down to locate the ideal temp for your house. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than operating the air conditioning.
More Methods to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are added methods you can spend less money on air conditioning bills throughout warm weather.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electrical costs small.
- Book regular air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working smoothly and may help it run at better efficiency. It could also help extend its life span, since it enables pros to discover small problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too frequently, and drive up your utility.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cold 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 hot air where it belongs by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air indoors.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Central Heating & Plumbing
If you need to save more energy this summer, our Central Heating & Plumbing experts can provide assistance. Reach us at 724-401-1843 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling options.