You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant temperature during the summer.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We review advice from energy pros so you can select the best temperature for your loved ones.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Weatherford.
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 outdoor warmth, your AC 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 appears hot, there are approaches you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioner on all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver added insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try running a test for about a week. Get started by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily lower it while using the suggestions above. You may be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner on all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t effective and usually leads to a higher AC bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temp under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a convenient resolution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest following a comparable test over a week, setting your temp higher and slowly turning it down to select the best setting for your residence. On mild nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better solution than running the air conditioning.
More Ways to Save Energy During Hot Weather
There are other approaches you can spend less money on energy bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping electrical costs down.
- Schedule annual air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and could help it run at better efficiency. It may also help prolong its life cycle, since it helps professionals to discover small issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and raise your energy.
- 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 need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort problems in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air indoors.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Parker County Cooling & Heating
If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Parker County Cooling & Heating experts can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 817-380-5213 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.