You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a refreshing setting during hot days.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We review ideas from energy experts so you can choose the best setting for your home.

Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Covington.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outdoor warmth, your AC costs will be higher.

These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are approaches you can keep your house pleasant without having the AC on all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver added insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s since they refresh by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too warm on the surface, try running a test for approximately a week. Start by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the tips above. You might be shocked at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner going all day while your house is empty. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t productive and usually results in a higher electrical expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a hassle-free resolution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that could be too chilly, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.

We suggest running a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and progressively decreasing it to locate the right temp for your house. On cool nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better solution than using the air conditioner.

More Ways to Save Energy This Summer

There are additional methods you can save money on energy bills throughout the summer.

  1. Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping electricity expenses small.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and might help it operate more efficiently. It can also help prolong its life span, since it helps pros to find little troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too often, and increase your utility.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort issues in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Covington Air Systems

If you want to conserve more energy this summer, our Covington Air Systems specialists can assist you. Give us a call at 770-766-8015 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.