Whats the Most Energy-Efficient AC Setting?

You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a refreshing setting during the summer.

But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy professionals so you can determine the best temp for your loved ones.

Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outdoor warmth, your utility costs will be greater.

These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are methods you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioning on all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide more insulation and improved energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s since they refresh with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try doing a test for a week or so. Start by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually turn it down while using the suggestions above. You could be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC working all day while your home is empty. Turning the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and usually results in a more expensive electricity expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temp controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a hassle-free solution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 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 suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, based on your clothing and blanket preference.

We advise following a comparable test over a week, moving your temp higher and steadily decreasing it to locate the right setting for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than running the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Save Energy This Summer

There are added ways you can spend less money on AC bills throughout warm weather.

1. Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping cooling
costs down.
2. Set yearly air conditioning tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running like it should and could help it run at greater efficiency. It might also help prolong its life expectancy, since it enables professionals to spot small troubles before they cause an expensive meltdown.
3. Change air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too frequently, and raise your electricity
costs.
4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart as it’s aged can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort troubles in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air within your home.

Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Olde Towne Heating & Air

If you want to save more energy during warm weather, our Olde Towne Heating & Air professionals can provide assistance. Give us a call at 843-485-0967 or contact us online for more information about our energy-conserving cooling solutions.