You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temperature during hot days.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We review suggestions from energy pros so you can find the best temperature for your residence.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Neptune City.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and outdoor temps, your cooling costs will be greater.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are methods you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioning running constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cool air where it should be—inside. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide extra insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot on the surface, try running a trial for approximately a week. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually turn it down while adhering to the suggestions above. You may be amazed at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning working all day while your residence is empty. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t productive and often leads to a more expensive electrical bill.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temp in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a convenient remedy, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend trying a comparable test over a week, putting your temperature higher and gradually decreasing it to find the right temperature for your family. On cool nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better option than using the AC.
More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are other ways you can conserve money on energy bills throughout warm weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping AC bills down.
- Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working properly and might help it run at greater efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life span, since it helps pros to uncover little problems before they create a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and increase your electricity.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort troubles in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air indoors.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Aggressive Mechanical
If you need to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Aggressive Mechanical professionals can help. Give us a call at 732-806-5536 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.