You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a refreshing temp during warm days.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We review suggestions from energy pros so you can determine the best temperature for your loved ones.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Boynton Beach.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and outside temps, your cooling costs will be greater.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are ways you can keep your residence refreshing without having the AC running all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—within your home. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give extra insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try doing a test for about a week. Begin by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily turn it down while adhering to the ideas above. You could be astonished at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC on all day while your home is unoccupied. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t effective and often produces a bigger cooling expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a convenient resolution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise trying an equivalent test over a week, setting your temperature higher and slowly turning it down to find the right setting for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior solution than operating the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Save Energy This Summer
There are extra methods you can save money on AC bills throughout the summer.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electrical bills down.
- Set regular air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working smoothly and could help it run at better efficiency. It might also help prolong its life span, since it enables pros to uncover small problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and drive up your energy.
- Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort troubles in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air indoors.
Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with A2Z Air Inc
If you are looking to conserve more energy during warm weather, our A2Z Air Inc professionals can assist you. Give us a call at 561-270-6228 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling options.
