You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a refreshing setting during warm days.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We review suggestions from energy professionals so you can choose the best temp for your loved ones.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Chillicothe.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and exterior temperatures, your electrical expenses will be greater.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are approaches you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioning running frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver added insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try conducting an experiment for a week or so. Get started by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually lower it while using the tips above. You might be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning working all day while your residence is unoccupied. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning 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 effective and typically produces a bigger AC bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you go.
If you need a handy remedy, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of using 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 recommends 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend running an equivalent test over a week, setting your temperature higher and steadily lowering it to determine the ideal temp for your house. On mild nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the air conditioning.
More Methods to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional approaches you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping electricity bills low.
- Book regular air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating like it should and may help it work at better efficiency. It may also help extend its life expectancy, since it enables professionals to spot seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your utility.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air inside.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Botts & Tye Air Conditioning and Heating
If you want to use less energy this summer, our Botts & Tye Air Conditioning and Heating professionals can assist you. Reach us at 660-646-0540 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling products.