You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at the right setting during warm days.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We go over ideas from energy pros so you can select the best temperature for your home.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Laurel.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outdoor warmth, your AC costs 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 sounds hot, there are ways you can keep your residence cool without having the AC running all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer added insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try conducting a trial for a week or so. Get started by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively decrease it while following the suggestions above. You could be shocked at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner working all day while your house is vacant. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t effective and usually results in a higher cooling cost.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temperature controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you go.
If you need a hassle-free remedy, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that may be too cold, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise running an equivalent test over a week, putting your temperature higher and gradually turning it down to choose the ideal temperature for your house. On cool nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior idea than operating the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional methods you can save money on air conditioning bills throughout the summer.
- Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping electrical expenses down.
- Book regular air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating properly and may help it operate at greater efficiency. It can also help prolong its life span, since it allows pros to spot small issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Change air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your electrical.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air within your home.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with H&C Heating and Cooling
If you need to save more energy during hot weather, our H&C Heating and Cooling pros can help. Reach us at 301-235-2937 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling products.