You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant setting during warm days.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy experts so you can choose the best setting for your house.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in West Columbia.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outdoor warmth, your cooling costs will be bigger.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems warm, there are approaches you can keep your home pleasant without having the AC on all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give more insulation and enhanced energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable on the surface, try conducting a trial for approximately a week. Get started by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively turn it down while following the suggestions above. You might be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner on all day while your residence is empty. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t productive and often leads to a more expensive electrical bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a handy fix, think about 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 automatically changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 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 thermostat higher and slowly decreasing it to select the right setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better solution than operating the air conditioning.
More Ways to Save Energy During Hot Weather
There are other methods you can spend less money on AC bills throughout the summer.
- Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping energy expenses small.
- Set regular air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running smoothly and may help it run at greater efficiency. It may also help extend its life cycle, since it helps pros to spot small issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Change air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and raise your utility.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of 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 result in big comfort problems in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air inside.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Tri City Fuel & Heating
If you are looking to save more energy during hot weather, our Tri City Fuel & Heating specialists can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 803-592-9776 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling products.
