You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing setting during hot days.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy specialists so you can choose the best temperature for your house.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Georgetown.
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 interior and outdoor temperatures, your electrical expenses will be bigger.
This is our advice 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 residence cool without having the air conditioner going constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer extra insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s since they cool by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try running a trial for approximately a week. Begin by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily lower it while adhering to the advice above. You might be shocked at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning running all day while your house is unoccupied. Switching the temp 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t useful and typically produces a higher electrical bills.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your settings in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a handy resolution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest following a comparable test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and steadily turning it down to pick the best setting for your family. On cool nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than running the air conditioner.
More Ways to Save Energy This Summer
There are additional methods you can conserve money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping electricity
bills down. - Set annual air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running like it should and may help it run at better efficiency. It may also help extend its life expectancy, since it allows professionals to discover seemingly insignificant problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too often, and raise your utility
bills. - Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air inside.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Miller Climate Control LLC
If you are looking to save more energy this summer, our Miller Climate Control LLC professionals can provide assistance. Reach us at 512-937-2001 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling products.