You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at the right setting during muggy weather.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We discuss advice from energy specialists so you can determine the best temperature for your loved ones.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Lake Worth.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outdoor temps, your cooling bills will be bigger.
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 cool without having the air conditioner going frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide more insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm at first glance, try doing an experiment for approximately a week. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively decrease it while using the ideas above. You may be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning on all day while your house is vacant. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t effective and usually results in a bigger electricity expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you want a handy resolution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest running a comparable test over a week, setting your temp higher and steadily lowering it to locate the best setting for your family. On cool nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior option than operating the air conditioning.
More Methods to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are additional approaches you can spend less money on utility bills throughout hot weather.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping cooling costs low.
- Schedule yearly air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working smoothly and could help it run at greater efficiency. It may also help extend its life span, since it enables technicians to pinpoint seemingly insignificant troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and increase your electricity.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort troubles in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air within your home.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Smyth Air Conditioning
If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Smyth Air Conditioning professionals can help. Give us a call at 561-533-6066 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling options.