You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a pleasant temp during muggy weather.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We review advice from energy specialists so you can determine the best setting for your loved ones.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Muldrow.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and exterior temps, your AC expenses 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 sounds warm, there are approaches you can keep your home cool without having the AC on frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cool air where it should be—inside. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver added insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they refresh by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot at first glance, try running a trial for about a week. Get started by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually lower it while following the ideas above. You could be amazed 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 empty. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t productive and usually results in a bigger cooling cost.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temp controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a hassle-free solution, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise using a similar test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and steadily turning it down to pinpoint the best temp for your house. On pleasant nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than using the AC.
More Methods to Save Energy This Summer
There are added approaches you can spend less money on utility bills throughout hot weather.
- Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping electrical bills down.
- Schedule yearly air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating properly and could help it run more efficiently. It could also help prolong its life expectancy, since it helps technicians to find small issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and increase your electricity.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort issues in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air within your home.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Air Service Co.
If you are looking to save more energy during hot weather, our Air Service Co. experts can assist you. Reach us at 918-212-8943 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling options.
