You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant setting during muggy weather.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy experts so you can choose the best setting for your residence.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Neptune City.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your cooling costs 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 sounds hot, there are methods you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioning going frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—inside. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give extra insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they cool by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try conducting an experiment for about a week. Get started by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually decrease it while following the advice above. You could be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner running all day while your residence is vacant. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t effective and often leads to a higher AC bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temp controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.
If you need a convenient resolution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that could be too cool, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend using a comparable test over a week, moving your temp higher and steadily turning it down to pinpoint the best temp for your residence. On cool nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable option than using the AC.
More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are other approaches you can conserve money on energy 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 get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping energy bills small.
- Set regular air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running smoothly and may help it operate at better efficiency. It could also help prolong its life cycle, since it helps technicians to discover little troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your electrical.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort problems in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air within your home.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Aggressive Mechanical
If you are looking to save more energy during hot weather, our Aggressive Mechanical professionals can assist you. Get in touch with us at 732-502-9300 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling products.