You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at the right temp during hot days.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy experts so you can determine the best setting for your house.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in West Columbia.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outdoor temperatures, your electrical costs 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 approaches you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioner on constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver more insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too hot on the surface, try doing a trial for about a week. Get started by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually turn it down while using the tips above. You might be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner on all day while your home is vacant. Turning the temp 7¬¬–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t effective and typically results in a bigger AC bills.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you leave.
If you want a handy remedy, think over 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 intuitively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for most families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest running an equivalent test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and gradually turning it down to pick the ideal temperature for your residence. On mild nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable option than operating the air conditioner.
More Ways to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are added approaches you can spend less money on AC bills throughout warm weather.
- Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping energy
costs small. - Set annual air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running like it should and could help it operate at better efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life span, since it helps professionals to discover little troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too much, and drive up your electricity
expenses. - Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air within your home.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Tri City Fuel & Heating Co., Inc.
If you want to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Tri City Fuel & Heating Co., Inc. professionals can assist you. Get in touch with us at 803-265-4208 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.