You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at the right setting during muggy weather.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We review suggestions from energy specialists so you can select the best setting for your family.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Mount Pleasant.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outside warmth, your electricity costs will be higher.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems warm, there are ways you can keep your home cool without having the AC running all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—within your home. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide extra insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s since they refresh through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try running an experiment for a week or so. Start by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively turn it down while adhering to the ideas above. You might be astonished at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning going all day while your home is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t productive and often produces a more expensive electrical bill.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temperature controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a hassle-free solution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus 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. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We recommend trying a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and steadily decreasing it to select the ideal temperature for your residence. On mild nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than operating the air conditioning.
More Methods to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are added methods you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout hot 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 become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping electricity expenses small.
- Schedule yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running like it should and might help it work more efficiently. It might also help prolong its life cycle, since it enables professionals to spot seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and raise your utility.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort troubles in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Olde Towne Heating & Air
If you want to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Olde Towne Heating & Air specialists can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 843-806-2049 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling products.