You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at the right setting during warm days.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy professionals so you can find the best temperature for your house.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Muldrow.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outdoor temps, your AC costs will be larger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are methods you can keep your house pleasant without having the AC on frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—within your home. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide more insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s because they refresh through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot at first glance, try doing a trial for approximately a week. Get started by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually lower it while following the ideas above. You could be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning working all day while your house is empty. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t useful and typically leads to a bigger electrical cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temperature under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free solution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest running a comparable test over a week, setting your temperature higher and progressively turning it down to pinpoint the right temp for your house. On cool nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable option than using the air conditioning.
More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are other methods you can spend less money on utility bills throughout warm weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping electrical bills small.
- Book yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working like it should and may help it work at better efficiency. It can also help prolong its life span, since it helps technicians to spot seemingly insignificant issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your electricity.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses 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 need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep 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 where it should be by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air within your home.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Air Service Co.
If you want to conserve more energy this summer, our Air Service Co. professionals can provide assistance. Reach us at 918-212-8943 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling options.
