You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant setting during warm days.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy experts so you can find the best temp for your house.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in West Columbia.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outdoor warmth, your AC expenses will be larger.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are methods you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioner running frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give added insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try doing a trial for about a week. Begin by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily turn it down while following the tips above. You could be shocked at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC working all day while your residence is unoccupied. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t effective and typically results in a more expensive air conditioner bill.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your settings controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a handy solution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest trying an equivalent test over a week, putting your temperature higher and steadily turning it down to choose the best temp for your family. On cool nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior option than using the air conditioner.
More Methods to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are added approaches you can spend less money on energy bills throughout the summer.
- Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning 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 more comfortable while keeping AC expenses small.
- Book annual air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working smoothly and may help it work at better efficiency. It can also help extend its life expectancy, since it helps professionals to uncover little issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too often, and increase your electricity.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort troubles in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air within your home.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Tri City Fuel & Heating
If you need to save more energy during hot weather, our Tri City Fuel & Heating pros can help. Give us a call at 803-265-4208 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling options.
