You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant temperature during warm days.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy pros so you can determine the best temp for your loved ones.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Covington.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and exterior temperatures, your electricity 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 too high, there are ways you can keep your home pleasant without having the AC running frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cold air where it should be—inside. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver more insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm initially, try running a test for about a week. Start by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively lower it while using the tips above. You might be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning on all day while your residence is unoccupied. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t effective and typically results in a more expensive electrical expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a convenient solution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We recommend running an equivalent test over a week, setting your temp higher and steadily lowering it to choose the right setting for your residence. On mild nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the AC.
More Approaches to Save Energy This Summer
There are other ways you can save money on utility 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 residence cooler while keeping utility expenses down.
- Schedule yearly air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running properly and could help it operate at greater efficiency. It may also help extend its life cycle, since it helps professionals to discover seemingly insignificant issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Change air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and increase your energy.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort troubles in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Covington Air Systems
If you are looking to use less energy during warm weather, our Covington Air Systems specialists can provide assistance. Reach us at 770-766-8015 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling options.