You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at the right temperature during hot days.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy professionals so you can determine the best temperature for your loved ones.
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 using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and exterior temperatures, your electricity costs 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 sounds warm, there are approaches you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioning running frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—within your home. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give added insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they refresh by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try running a test for about a week. Get started by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually lower it while adhering to the ideas above. You might be shocked at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC working all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t useful and often results in a bigger cooling cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temp under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a handy solution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest running a similar test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and gradually decreasing it to determine the right temperature for your house. On mild nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the AC.
More Methods to Save Energy This Summer
There are additional approaches you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping cooling expenses low.
- Schedule annual air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running properly and may help it run at greater efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life span, since it helps professionals to discover little issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Change air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too frequently, and drive up your electricity.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort issues in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air within your home.
Save More Energy This Summer with Olde Towne Heating & Air
If you need to save more energy during warm weather, our Olde Towne Heating & Air pros can help. Give us a call at 843-485-0967 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling products.