You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temp during the summer.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We discuss advice from energy experts so you can select the best temp for your residence.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Safford.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and exterior warmth, your AC costs will be greater.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are approaches you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioner on frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give extra insulation and better energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm initially, try running a test for about a week. Get started by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily turn it down while adhering to the ideas above. You may be surprised 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 residence is unoccupied. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a bigger electrical bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temperature under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you want a hassle-free solution, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for many families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest using an equivalent test over a week, setting your temperature higher and steadily lowering it to determine the best temp for your residence. On cool nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than using the air conditioner.
More Methods to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are other methods you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping cooling costs small.
- Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running like it should and may help it work more efficiently. It might also help lengthen its life span, since it helps professionals to find seemingly insignificant troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and increase your electrical.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort troubles in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air inside.
Use Less Energy This Summer with B&D Air Conditioning
If you are looking to save more energy during hot weather, our B&D Air Conditioning professionals can help. Reach us at 928-432-6018 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling products.