You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at the right setting during the summer.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy professionals so you can find the best temperature for your loved ones.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Mechanicsburg.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and exterior temps, your electrical costs 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 appears warm, there are methods you can keep your home pleasant without having the AC going frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—inside. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer extra insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm at first glance, try running a trial for about a week. Start by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively turn it down while using the advice above. You might be astonished at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning running all day while your home is empty. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and typically produces a more expensive electricity expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your settings in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a handy fix, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of getting 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 advises 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for most 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 could be too chilly, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We recommend following an equivalent test over a week, moving your temperature higher and slowly decreasing it to find the best temp for your house. On cool nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable option than running the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are extra approaches you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping energy costs down.
- Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working like it should and could help it operate at better efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it allows professionals to pinpoint seemingly insignificant problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too frequently, and increase your utility.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have enough 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 examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort problems in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air within your home.
Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with H & H Service Company
If you need to conserve more energy during warm weather, our H & H Service Company specialists can help. Give us a call at 717-220-4502 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling options.
