Whats the Most Energy-Efficient AC Setting?

You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a refreshing temperature during the summer.

But what is the best temp, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy pros so you can select the best temp for your family.

Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Front Royal.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outdoor temperatures, your electricity bills will be larger.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are ways you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioner running constantly.

Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide added insulation and better energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they freshen with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try conducting a trial for a week or so. Start by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually lower it while adhering to the ideas above. You might be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC working all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a bigger AC cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.

If you want a convenient fix, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for many families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, due to your clothing and blanket preference.

We suggest following an equivalent test over a week, moving your temp higher and steadily turning it down to select the best temp for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than using the air conditioning.

More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are additional ways you can spend less money on energy bills throughout warm weather.

1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electrical
bills small.
2. Book annual AC service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and could help it work at better efficiency. It might also help extend its life span, since it allows technicians to find seemingly insignificant troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
3. Put in new air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your electrical
bills.
4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over the years can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort issues in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air indoors.

Save More Energy This Summer with Dave's Diversified Services

If you are looking to save more energy during hot weather, our Dave's Diversified Services specialists can provide assistance. Give us a call at 540-636-3396 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling options.