You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a refreshing temperature during the summer.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We discuss advice from energy professionals so you can determine the best temp for your house.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Georgetown.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and exterior warmth, your electricity expenses will be higher.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are approaches you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioning on frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give more insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they refresh by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot at first glance, try conducting an experiment for a week or so. Start by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively turn it down while using the advice above. You might be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC running all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a higher air conditioner cost.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your settings under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a convenient solution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that may be too cool, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise trying a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and steadily decreasing it to determine the ideal setting for your residence. On mild nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior option than running the air conditioning.
More Methods to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are other ways you can spend less money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping energy bills down.
- Schedule yearly air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working properly and could help it work more efficiently. It can also help extend its life span, since it enables pros to spot little issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and increase your utility.
- Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the United States don’t have enough 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 inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort issues in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air within your home.
Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Miller Climate Control LLC
If you need to use less energy this summer, our Miller Climate Control LLC experts can assist you. Give us a call at 512-956-5040 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling products.
