You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at the right temp during hot days.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We discuss advice from energy experts so you can select the best temperature 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 households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and outdoor temps, your electrical bills will be greater.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are methods you can keep your residence pleasant without having the AC running all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver more insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try doing a trial for approximately a week. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the tips above. You could be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC on all day while your residence is vacant. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a more expensive electrical expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.
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 gone. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that could be too chilly, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We recommend following an equivalent test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and steadily turning it down to find the best temp for your family. On cool nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than using the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are other approaches you can save money on energy bills throughout warm weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electricity expenses low.
- Schedule annual air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working properly and might help it operate at better efficiency. It can also help extend its life cycle, since it allows techs to spot seemingly insignificant troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace 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 electrical.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort issues in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air indoors.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning
If you are looking to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning professionals can help. Reach us at 203-941-5099 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling options.