You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing setting during the summer.

But what is the best setting, exactly? We review advice from energy professionals so you can choose the best setting for your residence.

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 using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your cooling 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 too high, there are methods you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioner going frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cold air where it should be—inside. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer extra insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too hot initially, try conducting an experiment for about a week. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually turn it down while adhering to the advice above. You could be amazed at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning running all day while your house is unoccupied. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t productive and typically leads to a higher electrical expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temperature controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a handy fix, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus 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 may be too uncomfortable for most families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, due to your PJ and blanket preference.

We advise trying an equivalent test over a week, moving your temperature higher and steadily decreasing it to find the best temp for your house. On cool nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the AC.

More Methods to Save Energy This Summer

There are added approaches you can save money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping electrical expenses low.
  2. Book regular air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running like it should and might help it work at greater efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables techs to uncover small issues before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and raise your electrical.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort issues in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air indoors.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Tri City Fuel & Heating

If you need to conserve more energy this summer, our Tri City Fuel & Heating professionals can assist you. Reach us at 803-265-4208 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling options.