You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant setting during hot days.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We review ideas from energy specialists so you can determine the best setting for your house.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Frederick.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outside temperatures, your electricity bills 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 too high, there are approaches you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner going all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide added insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they cool with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable at first glance, try doing a trial for a week or so. Begin by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively lower it while using the suggestions above. You could be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner working all day while your house is unoccupied. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t useful and typically leads to a more expensive electricity cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temp under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a convenient remedy, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of getting 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 advises 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend following a comparable test over a week, moving your temperature higher and slowly turning it down to select the right setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than using the air conditioning.
More Methods to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are added methods you can save money on cooling 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 become older. A new air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electrical expenses low.
- Schedule annual air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating smoothly and may help it run more efficiently. It might also help extend its life cycle, since it helps techs to pinpoint little problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and increase your electricity.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the USA 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 let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air within your home.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with America's Green Heating & Air Conditioning
If you want to use less energy this summer, our America's Green Heating & Air Conditioning specialists can provide assistance. Give us a call at 301-208-0800 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling products.
