You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a refreshing temperature during summer weather.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We discuss advice from energy professionals so you can choose the best setting for your residence.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Willow Grove.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your utility costs will be bigger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are ways you can keep your house cool without having the AC running constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver more insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable at first glance, try doing a trial for about a week. Get started by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily lower it while adhering to the advice above. You could be surprised at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC running all day while your home is empty. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t effective and usually produces a higher electricity bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a convenient solution, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly 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 change temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that may be too cold, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise running a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and steadily decreasing it to select the ideal temperature for your house. On pleasant nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than operating the AC.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional approaches you can spend less money on AC bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping cooling costs small.
- Book yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and may help it operate at better efficiency. It can also help extend its life expectancy, since it allows professionals to spot seemingly insignificant issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and increase your electricity.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort issues in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air indoors.
Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Stanley W. Cooper
If you want to conserve more energy this summer, our Stanley W. Cooper pros can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 215-383-3163 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling products.