You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing temperature during muggy weather.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We review suggestions from energy professionals so you can find the best temperature for your home.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Hodgenville.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outdoor warmth, your electricity costs will be bigger.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds hot, there are methods you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioner running constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—inside. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give extra insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s since they cool by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try conducting an experiment for about a week. Get started by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually turn it down while using the suggestions above. You might be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner running all day while your residence is empty. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a higher cooling bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your settings in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you go.
If you want a convenient resolution, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We recommend using a comparable test over a week, putting your temperature higher and progressively lowering it to find the right setting for your house. On cool nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior idea than operating the AC.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are added approaches you can conserve money on utility bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electrical bills low.
- Schedule annual air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and could help it run at better efficiency. It could also help extend its life expectancy, since it allows pros to spot seemingly insignificant troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too often, and raise your electrical.
- Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air indoors.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc.
If you want to conserve more energy this summer, our Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. pros can assist you. Reach us at 270-358-3167 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.
