You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant temperature during summer weather.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We go over advice from energy pros so you can choose the best temp for your home.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in West Columbia.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outside warmth, your utility bills 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 seems warm, there are ways you can keep your home refreshing without having the AC running constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give extra insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they refresh by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm initially, try doing a trial for about a week. Get started by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively lower it while using the tips above. You might be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC working all day while your home is unoccupied. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and often produces a bigger air conditioner bill.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temperature under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a handy resolution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk 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 recommends 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for many families. Most 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 cool, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise using a comparable test over a week, putting your temp higher and slowly decreasing it to determine the ideal setting for your residence. On mild nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than operating the air conditioning.
More Methods to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are added approaches you can conserve money on energy bills throughout warm weather.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping cooling costs small.
- Schedule annual air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working like it should and may help it work more efficiently. It can also help prolong its life expectancy, since it enables techs to spot small problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too frequently, and increase your electrical.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most 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 let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort problems in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air within your home.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Tri City Fuel & Heating
If you need to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Tri City Fuel & Heating specialists can provide assistance. Reach us at 803-592-9776 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling products.
