You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant temperature during hot days.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy pros so you can select the best setting for your house.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Hodgenville.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outdoor warmth, your utility expenses will be higher.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are ways you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioner running frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer added insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too hot initially, try doing an experiment for about a week. Start by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while using the advice above. You may be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner running all day while your home is vacant. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t productive and typically produces a higher electrical expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temp controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you go.
If you need a handy fix, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that could be too cold, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise using a comparable test over a week, setting your temp higher and progressively lowering it to choose the ideal temperature for your residence. On mild nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior idea than running the air conditioning.
More Methods to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are other methods you can spend less money on air conditioning bills throughout warm weather.
- Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping utility expenses down.
- Book yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and may help it work more efficiently. It could also help extend its life expectancy, since it enables professionals to uncover small problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too much, and drive up your energy.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air inside.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc.
If you need to save more energy during hot weather, our Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. pros can assist you. Reach us at 270-358-3167 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling products.
