You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at the right setting during warm days.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy experts so you can determine the best setting for your home.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Muldrow.
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 indoor and exterior temps, your utility costs will be greater.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are approaches you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner running all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give extra insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try conducting a test for about a week. Start by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while using the suggestions above. You could be amazed at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning working all day while your house is vacant. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t productive and often produces a more expensive AC cost.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temperature under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.
If you need a handy remedy, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend trying an equivalent test over a week, moving your temperature higher and slowly decreasing it to find the right temperature for your house. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the air conditioning.
More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are added ways you can spend less money on energy bills throughout warm weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping cooling bills low.
- Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working properly and may help it operate more efficiently. It can also help prolong its life span, since it helps techs to uncover small issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too often, and raise your energy.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort troubles in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Air Service Co.
If you want to use less energy this summer, our Air Service Co. specialists can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 918-212-8943 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling products.
