You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at the right temperature during summer weather.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We go over ideas from energy pros so you can select the best setting for your family.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Arlington.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and outside temperatures, your cooling costs will be bigger.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds hot, there are ways you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioner going all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide extra insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm initially, try doing a test for about a week. Begin by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually decrease it while adhering to the ideas above. You could be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC on all day while your house is empty. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t productive and typically results in a higher cooling expense.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temperature under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a handy remedy, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for maximum 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 regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise running a comparable test over a week, moving your temperature higher and steadily lowering it to determine the right temperature for your house. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the AC.
More Ways to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are additional ways you can conserve money on utility bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient air conditioning 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 house more comfortable while keeping electrical expenses small.
- Set yearly air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and might help it run at greater efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables professionals to find little troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and raise your electricity.
- Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort problems in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.
Save More Energy This Summer with Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning
If you are looking to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning specialists can assist you. Give us a call at 360-939-9033 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling products.