You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at the right temp during the summer.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy experts so you can select the best temperature for your home.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Lake Worth.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outdoor warmth, your electrical expenses will be bigger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds hot, there are ways you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioning going all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cool air where it should be—indoors. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver added insulation and enhanced energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s since they freshen with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable on the surface, try doing a trial for a week or so. Start by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily lower it while following the suggestions above. You might be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner running all day while your residence is empty. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t effective and often leads to a more expensive cooling bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temperature under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free fix, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise using a similar test over a week, setting your temperature higher and progressively decreasing it to locate the ideal temperature for your house. On cool nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior solution than operating the air conditioning.
More Ways to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are added methods you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping utility costs down.
- Schedule yearly air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working properly and might help it run at greater efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life cycle, since it allows pros to spot seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Change air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and drive up your utility.
- Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 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 result in big comfort troubles in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air within your home.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Smyth Air Conditioning
If you are looking to save more energy during hot weather, our Smyth Air Conditioning specialists can provide assistance. Reach us at 561-533-6066 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling options.