You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house in a pleasant setting during hot days.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We review ideas from energy experts so you can find the best temperature for your house.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Huffman.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and exterior temperatures, your electrical costs will be higher.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are approaches you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner going frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide added insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try doing a test for approximately a week. Start by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively decrease it while using the suggestions above. You might be astonished at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC working all day while your home is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7¬¬–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t productive and typically produces a more expensive electrical expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you want a hassle-free solution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects to your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically, $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest following an equivalent test over a week, putting your thermostat higher, and progressively turning it down to locate the best temp for your house. On cool nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better option than running the AC.
More Ways to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are other ways you can save money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping utility
costs low. - Schedule yearly AC maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating like it should and could help it operate at better efficiency. It can also help extend its life expectancy since it allows techs to pinpoint small troubles before they create an expensive meltdown.
- Put in new air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too frequently, and raise your cooling
expenses. - Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Has your ductwork been examined? The ductwork that has come apart over the years can let cool air into your attic, walls, or crawl space. This can create major comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors, and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air indoors.
Use Less Energy This Summer with Air Houston Mechanical LLC
If you are looking to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Air Houston Mechanical LLC professionals can assist. Get in touch with us at (832) 957-9332 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-efficient cooling options.
