You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a refreshing temp during the summer.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy experts so you can find the best setting for your house.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Safford.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and exterior temperatures, your cooling bills will be larger.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are approaches you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioner on constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—inside. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer added insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s because they cool with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try doing an experiment for a week or so. Get started by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually decrease it while adhering to the ideas above. You may be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC running all day while your home is vacant. Switching the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t useful and usually produces a higher electricity cost.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temp under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a convenient fix, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for many families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest following a comparable test over a week, putting your temp higher and gradually decreasing it to find the best setting for your family. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than running the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are additional methods you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping electrical
expenses small. - Schedule annual air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running smoothly and might help it work more efficiently. It might also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables pros to find little issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too frequently, and raise your energy
expenses. - Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened as it’s aged can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort troubles in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air inside.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with B&D Air Conditioning
If you are looking to save more energy during hot weather, our B&D Air Conditioning pros can help. Get in touch with us at 928-432-6018 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-conserving cooling options.