You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at the right setting during hot days.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy professionals so you can determine the best temp for your house.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Mechanicsburg.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your cooling expenses will be higher.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems warm, there are ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioning running constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give more insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s because they refresh with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try conducting an experiment for approximately a week. Get started by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively decrease it while using the advice 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 air conditioning going all day while your residence is unoccupied. Turning the temperature 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and usually produces a higher electrical bills.
A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a hassle-free remedy, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We recommend trying a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and progressively lowering it to pick the best temp for your residence. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better solution than using the air conditioning.
More Methods to Save Energy This Summer
There are additional methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient AC 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 cooler while keeping electricity
expenses low. - Book yearly air conditioning service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating like it should and may help it work at better efficiency. It could also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables professionals to discover seemingly insignificant issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Change air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your energy
expenses. - Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences 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 require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened as it’s aged can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort problems in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air inside.
Use Less Energy This Summer with H & H Service Company
If you want to save more energy during warm weather, our H & H Service Company pros can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 717-220-4502 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-efficient cooling options.