You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at the right temperature during summer weather.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy professionals so you can select the best temperature for your family.
Here’s what we recommend 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 is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outdoor warmth, your AC costs 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 ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the AC running all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give extra insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try running a trial for approximately a week. Start by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the tips above. You may be surprised at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC on all day while your home is vacant. Turning the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and typically leads to a bigger air conditioner expense.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temp controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a convenient resolution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise following a comparable test over a week, putting your temp higher and slowly lowering it to pick the ideal setting for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than running the AC.
More Ways to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are other methods you can spend less money on air conditioning bills throughout the summer.
- Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping electrical
expenses low. - Set regular AC service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating like it should and could help it run at greater efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables technicians to discover small issues before they cause an expensive meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and increase your electricity
costs. - Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air within your home.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Air Service Co.
If you need to save more energy during warm weather, our Air Service Co. pros can assist you. Give us a call at 918-212-8943 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.