You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temp during warm days.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy specialists so you can find the best temp for your house.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Magnolia.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outdoor warmth, your cooling expenses 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 warm, there are approaches you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioning going constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cold air where it should be—indoors. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver added insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they cool with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try doing an experiment for approximately a week. Start by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively turn it down while adhering to the suggestions above. You could be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner running all day while your home is vacant. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and often results in a more expensive AC cost.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your settings under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a convenient 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 intuitively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for many families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that might be too chilly, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise following a similar test over a week, setting your temperature higher and steadily turning it down to find the best temp for your family. On cool nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better solution than using the AC.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are extra approaches you can conserve money on energy bills throughout the summer.
- Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electrical expenses down.
- Schedule regular air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and may help it operate at better efficiency. It might also help prolong its life span, since it enables techs to pinpoint little problems before they create a major meltdown.
- Change air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and increase your utility.
- Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort troubles in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air inside.
Use Less Energy This Summer with JTech Mechanical
If you need to save more energy this summer, our JTech Mechanical professionals can provide assistance. Reach us at 281-410-8002 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling products.