You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temp during the summer.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We review ideas from energy specialists so you can choose the best temperature for your home.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Georgetown.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and exterior temps, your electricity expenses will be greater.
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 methods you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioner going constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cool air where it should be—inside. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide added insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s since they refresh through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable on the surface, try running a test for about a week. Get started by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while adhering to the advice above. You could be shocked at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC on all day while your home is empty. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning 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 produces a more expensive AC expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temperature controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you go.
If you need a hassle-free remedy, think over 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 instinctively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for the majority of 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 might be too cold, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest running an equivalent test over a week, moving your temp higher and steadily lowering it to choose the right temp for your house. On pleasant nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the AC.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are other ways you can save money on utility bills throughout warm weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping electricity bills small.
- Set regular air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating properly and might help it work more efficiently. It can also help extend its life span, since it enables professionals to spot small problems before they create a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and raise your energy.
- Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort troubles in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Miller Climate Control LLC
If you need to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Miller Climate Control LLC professionals can assist you. Reach us at 512-379-6873 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.
