You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temperature during summer weather.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We go over ideas from energy specialists so you can select the best temp 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 households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and exterior warmth, your utility costs will be bigger.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are ways you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioning running all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—indoors. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver extra insulation and better energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable on the surface, try conducting a test for a week or so. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily lower it while following the tips above. You may be amazed at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning on all day while your residence is empty. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t effective and typically leads to a more expensive cooling expense.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your settings controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you leave.
If you want a hassle-free resolution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise following an equivalent test over a week, moving your temperature higher and slowly lowering it to pinpoint the ideal temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than using the air conditioning.
More Methods to Save Energy This Summer
There are other ways you can spend less 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 age. A new air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping AC bills down.
- Schedule annual air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working smoothly and may help it work at better efficiency. It might also help prolong its life cycle, since it allows professionals to spot little troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too much, and drive up your electricity.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort problems in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air inside.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Aggressive Mechanical
If you are looking to use less energy this summer, our Aggressive Mechanical pros can assist you. Get in touch with us at 732-806-5536 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling options.