You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at the right setting during the summer.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy professionals so you can find the best setting for your family.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Derby.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outside warmth, your cooling expenses 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 appears hot, there are methods you can keep your residence refreshing without having the AC on constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer extra insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s since they refresh with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm initially, try doing a test for a week or so. Start by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily decrease it while using the ideas above. You might be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner on all day while your home is vacant. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC 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 productive and often results in a more expensive electrical expense.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temp controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you go.
If you want a handy solution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for the majority of families. Most 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, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise using a comparable test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and slowly turning it down to pinpoint the best setting for your family. On mild nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the air conditioner.
More Methods to Save Energy This Summer
There are other methods you can conserve money on utility bills throughout warm weather.
- Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping utility bills down.
- Schedule yearly air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and could help it run at greater efficiency. It might also help prolong its life cycle, since it allows professionals to pinpoint little problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too often, and increase your energy.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort problems in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air inside.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning
If you need to save more energy this summer, our Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning specialists can assist you. Give us a call at 203-772-8319 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.