You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing setting during warm days.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We review suggestions from energy pros so you can select the best temp for your house.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Lake Worth.
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 inside and outside warmth, your cooling expenses will be bigger.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are methods you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioner on constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cold air where it should be—inside. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver added insulation and enhanced energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s because they refresh with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm at first glance, try running a trial for approximately a week. Get started by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually decrease it while using the advice above. You could be astonished at how cool 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 home is vacant. Switching the temperature 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 switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t useful and typically produces a higher AC expense.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temp controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you leave.
If you want a hassle-free fix, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $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 regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest trying an equivalent test over a week, moving your temp higher and slowly turning it down to locate the best temperature for your family. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better option than operating the air conditioner.
More Methods to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are additional ways you can conserve money on utility bills throughout warm weather.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping cooling expenses small.
- Set regular air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working smoothly and could help it operate more efficiently. It may also help extend its life expectancy, since it enables pros to uncover little troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too much, and raise your utility.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes 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”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort issues in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air within your home.
Use Less Energy This Summer with Smyth Air Conditioning
If you are looking to use less energy during warm weather, our Smyth Air Conditioning experts can provide assistance. Reach us at 561-533-6066 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling products.