You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing temp during hot days.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy experts so you can choose the best temp for your residence.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Front Royal.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outside warmth, your AC bills will be larger.
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 methods you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioner running constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cold air where it should be—inside. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver more insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable on the surface, try conducting a trial for about a week. Begin by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the advice above. You could be amazed at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner on all day while your house is vacant. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and often produces a bigger AC cost.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temp controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a convenient solution, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that may be too chilly, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest following an equivalent test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and slowly lowering it to pick the ideal temp for your house. On cool nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better option than operating the air conditioner.
More Methods to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are extra methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping electricity expenses down.
- Book annual air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working properly and may help it operate at better efficiency. It can also help extend its life span, since it helps pros to uncover little issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too frequently, and raise your electrical.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air within your home.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Dave's Diversified Services
If you need to use less energy during warm weather, our Dave's Diversified Services professionals can help. Reach us at 540-636-3396 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling options.