You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at the right setting during warm days.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We discuss advice from energy pros so you can select the best temperature for your loved ones.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Hendersonville.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and exterior temps, your utility bills will be higher.
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 ways you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioner going frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide extra insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they freshen by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable at first glance, try conducting a test for about a week. Start by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily lower it while adhering to the advice above. You might be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner on all day while your house is vacant. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t effective and typically results in a bigger AC cost.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temp controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a convenient resolution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year 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 unpleasant for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise using a comparable test over a week, setting your temperature higher and gradually decreasing it to select the best temp for your family. On mild nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the AC.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are extra methods you can save money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping energy bills low.
- Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating like it should and may help it operate more efficiently. It might also help prolong its life cycle, since it helps technicians to spot small problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and drive up your utility.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort troubles in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air indoors.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Superior Comfort Systems
If you are looking to use less energy this summer, our Superior Comfort Systems pros can assist you. Reach us at 828-492-3596 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.
