You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temperature during hot days.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We review ideas from energy specialists so you can select the best temp for your residence.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Arlington.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outdoor warmth, your electrical costs will be larger.
These are our recommendations 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 house refreshing without having the AC running constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—inside. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide more insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm at first glance, try doing an experiment for about a week. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily lower it while adhering to the suggestions above. You could be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC working all day while your house is vacant. Turning the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a bigger electricity bills.
A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temp controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a convenient resolution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk 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 unbearable for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest following an equivalent test over a week, putting your temp higher and steadily lowering it to choose the best temp for your residence. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better option than running the air conditioning.
More Methods to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are extra ways you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping energy
costs low. - Book regular air conditioning service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating properly and may help it operate more efficiently. It can also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it helps techs to spot seemingly insignificant problems before they create a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and increase your energy
costs. - Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over the years can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort troubles in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air indoors.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning
If you are looking to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning pros can help. Reach us at 360-255-5857 or contact us online for more details about our energy-efficient cooling products.