Whats the Most Energy-Efficient AC Setting?

You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a refreshing setting during the summer.

But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy pros so you can select the best setting for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your electrical bills will be higher.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems warm, there are approaches you can keep your residence refreshing without having the AC running constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—indoors. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer extra insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try running a trial for about a week. Start by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually turn it down while adhering to the ideas above. You may be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner on all day while your home is empty. Moving the temp 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t productive and typically produces a bigger electrical cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you go.

If you want a convenient remedy, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.

We advise trying a similar test over a week, putting your temperature higher and progressively decreasing it to select the ideal temperature for your family. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior idea than using the air conditioning.

More Ways to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

There are additional ways you can save money on utility bills throughout the summer.

1. Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping energy
costs small.
2. Book yearly air conditioning tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working like it should and might help it work at greater efficiency. It can also help prolong its life cycle, since it helps techs to find seemingly insignificant problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
3. Switch air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and drive up your electrical
bills.
4. Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over the years can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort troubles in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning

If you want to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning pros can provide assistance. Give us a call at 203-772-8319 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-efficient cooling solutions.