Whats the Most Energy-Efficient AC Setting?

You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant temp during summer weather.

But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over advice from energy specialists so you can choose the best setting for your home.

Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Hodgenville.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and outdoor warmth, your electrical expenses 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 sounds hot, there are ways you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioning on constantly.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give extra insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s since they cool by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable initially, try running an experiment for approximately a week. Get started by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually turn it down while adhering to the tips above. You may be amazed at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC going all day while your house is empty. Turning the temp 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t productive and often leads to a more expensive AC cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temperature in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a handy solution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for most families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, based on your PJ and blanket preference.

We suggest running an equivalent test over a week, setting your temperature higher and steadily lowering it to pick the ideal temp for your residence. On mild nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior option than using the air conditioning.

More Methods to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra methods you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.

1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping electrical
costs low.
2. Set yearly air conditioning tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running like it should and might help it operate more efficiently. It might also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it allows technicians to spot seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to an expensive meltdown.
3. Put in new air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too much, and raise your utility
expenses.
4. Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated as it’s aged can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort problems in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air indoors.

Save More Energy This Summer with Phelps Heating & Cooling

If you need to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Phelps Heating & Cooling pros can assist you. Get in touch with us at 270-358-3167 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling products.