You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing setting during muggy weather.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy specialists so you can find the best setting for your residence.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Covington.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and exterior warmth, your electricity bills will be larger.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are ways you can keep your residence refreshing without having the AC running constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give added insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s since they refresh with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try running a test for about a week. Start by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually turn it down while following the advice above. You may be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner going all day while your house is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t productive and typically results in a bigger cooling bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temp under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a convenient solution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise following an equivalent test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and slowly lowering it to pinpoint the best setting for your house. On mild nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better option than operating the air conditioner.
More Methods to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are added approaches you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping electrical expenses small.
- Book annual air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating smoothly and might help it work at better efficiency. It might also help extend its life expectancy, since it helps techs to uncover seemingly insignificant issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too much, and drive up your cooling.
- Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort troubles in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air inside.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Covington Air Systems
If you want to use less energy during hot weather, our Covington Air Systems professionals can provide assistance. Give us a call at (770) 462-5319 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.