You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at the right temperature during warm days.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We discuss advice from energy specialists so you can choose the best temp for your family.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Georgetown.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outside temperatures, your AC bills will be larger.
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 methods you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioner on all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give added insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try running an experiment for about a week. Get started by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually lower it while following the ideas above. You may be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC going all day while your home is vacant. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t effective and typically produces a bigger air conditioner cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temp under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a hassle-free resolution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest running a similar test over a week, putting your temperature higher and slowly decreasing it to determine the best temp for your family. On cool nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior solution than operating the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are added approaches you can save money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping electricity bills down.
- Book annual air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running properly and could help it run more efficiently. It might also help lengthen its life span, since it enables techs to discover little troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and drive up your cooling.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort problems in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air indoors.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Miller Climate Control LLC
If you need 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 more details about our energy-saving cooling options.
