You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant temperature during summer weather.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We review advice from energy specialists so you can determine the best setting for your loved ones.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Muldrow.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and exterior warmth, your electricity bills 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 seems warm, there are methods you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioning going frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—within your home. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver added insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable at first glance, try conducting an experiment for about a week. Start by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the tips above. You might be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner going all day while your house is unoccupied. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t effective and often produces a bigger electrical expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temperature in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a handy remedy, think about buying 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 instinctively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest running a comparable test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and slowly turning it down to choose the best temperature for your family. On mild nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable option than operating the AC.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are extra ways you can save money on cooling bills throughout the summer.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping utility bills small.
- Book regular air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating properly and might help it operate at greater efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables professionals to spot seemingly insignificant troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and increase your cooling.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 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 should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort problems in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Air Service Co.
If you are looking to use less energy during warm weather, our Air Service Co. experts can assist you. Give us a call at 918-215-7608 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling products.
