You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temp during warm days.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy experts so you can choose the best temp for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and exterior warmth, your utility bills 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 sounds too high, there are approaches you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioning running constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer extra insulation and improved energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too hot at first glance, try running a trial for a week or so. Get started by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually turn it down while using the advice above. You may be surprised at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner running all day while your residence is empty. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and typically produces a more expensive electrical cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your settings controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you leave.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free resolution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that might be too chilly, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise using a comparable test over a week, moving your temperature higher and steadily turning it down to select the right temp for your house. On mild nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better option than using the air conditioner.

More Ways to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra methods you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning 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 more comfortable while keeping utility bills small.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating like it should and might help it run at better efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it allows techs to pinpoint small problems before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and increase your utility.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort issues in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air within your home.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with Olde Towne Heating & Air

If you need to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Olde Towne Heating & Air specialists can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 843-806-2049 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.