You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at the right setting during warm days.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We review suggestions from energy specialists so you can determine the best setting for your residence.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Bloomfield.
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 temperatures, your AC expenses will be bigger.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are approaches you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioner going all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—within your home. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver more insulation and enhanced 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 through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot initially, try conducting a test for about a week. Start by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively turn it down while adhering to the ideas above. You may be amazed at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC running all day while your home is unoccupied. Turning the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC costs, 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 effective and typically results in a more expensive cooling bills.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temperature in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you go.
If you need a handy fix, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We recommend using an equivalent test over a week, setting your temp higher and progressively lowering it to choose the right setting for your house. On mild nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior idea than running the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are other methods you can save money on energy bills throughout the summer.
- Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping utility
expenses low. - Set yearly air conditioning tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working properly and might help it operate more efficiently. It may also help extend its life expectancy, since it helps professionals to find small troubles before they lead to a big meltdown.
- Change air filters often. Read 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 increase your cooling
costs. - Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over the years can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air inside.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Stanford Heating & Cooling
If you need to use less energy during warm weather, our Stanford Heating & Cooling specialists can help. Give us a call at 812-825-8695 or contact us online for more info about our energy-conserving cooling solutions.