You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temperature during hot days.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We review suggestions from energy experts so you can select the best temp for your house.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Frederick.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and exterior temperatures, your utility 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 too high, there are ways you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioner going constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cold air where it should be—inside. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver added insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s since they freshen by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm at first glance, try running a test for a week or so. Get started by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the tips above. You may be surprised at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner working all day while your house is vacant. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t productive and usually produces a bigger air conditioner cost.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your settings controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a convenient resolution, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $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 may be unpleasant for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that might be too cold, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest trying an equivalent test over a week, putting your temperature higher and gradually decreasing 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 better option than running the air conditioning.
More Ways to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are added methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electricity expenses down.
- Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working properly and might help it work at better efficiency. It can also help prolong its life expectancy, since it enables professionals to find seemingly insignificant troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and drive up your electrical.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have enough 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 come apart over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort issues in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air inside.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with America's Green Heating & Air Conditioning
If you are looking to save more energy during hot weather, our America's Green Heating & Air Conditioning professionals can provide assistance. Reach us at 301-208-0800 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling products.
