You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a refreshing temp during warm days.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We review suggestions from energy professionals so you can find the best temp for your loved ones.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Laurel.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outdoor temperatures, your cooling costs will be bigger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the AC going frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver added insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they cool through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable at first glance, try running a trial for approximately a week. Get started by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually lower it while following the tips above. You may be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning going all day while your residence is vacant. Switching the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t useful and often produces a higher air conditioner expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temp under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.
If you want a convenient fix, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of installing 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 too uncomfortable for many families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise following a similar test over a week, putting your temperature higher and steadily turning it down to locate the ideal setting for your family. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior option than using the air conditioning.
More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are additional approaches you can save money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping electrical
costs down. - Book regular AC service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working properly and might help it work at greater efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables pros to uncover small issues before they lead to a big meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and drive up your electricity
expenses. - Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over the years can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with H&C Heating and Cooling
If you are looking to use less energy during warm weather, our H&C Heating and Cooling experts can assist you. Reach us at 301-960-3247 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-efficient cooling options.