You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing temp during hot days.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy pros so you can determine the best temperature for your house.
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 setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and exterior warmth, your AC costs 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 appears warm, there are approaches you can keep your residence refreshing without having the AC on constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give added insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm at first glance, try doing an experiment for approximately a week. Begin by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually decrease it while following the ideas above. You may be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning going all day while your house is empty. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t effective and often leads to a more expensive electricity bill.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your settings controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free solution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that might be too cool, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest trying an equivalent test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and steadily lowering it to choose the ideal temp for your house. On cool nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior idea than running the AC.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are other ways you can save money on air conditioning bills throughout warm weather.
- Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping AC bills low.
- Set yearly air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating properly and might help it operate more efficiently. It can also help extend its life expectancy, since it enables techs to discover seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and increase your electricity.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort problems in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air indoors.
Use Less Energy This Summer with Central Heating & Plumbing
If you want to use less energy during hot weather, our Central Heating & Plumbing pros can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 724-530-3753 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.