You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a pleasant temp during muggy weather.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We discuss advice from energy experts so you can determine the best setting for your loved ones.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Middletown.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outside temps, your utility expenses will be higher.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are ways you can keep your house cool without having the AC running frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—indoors. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver extra insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm on the surface, try running an experiment for approximately a week. Begin by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually turn it down while following the ideas above. You may be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC running all day while your house is unoccupied. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t effective and typically produces a bigger AC expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you leave.
If you want a hassle-free solution, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We recommend using an equivalent test over a week, moving your temp higher and steadily lowering it to select the ideal setting for your residence. On mild nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better solution than running the AC.
More Methods to Save Energy This Summer
There are additional ways you can spend less money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping utility costs small.
- Schedule annual air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating like it should and may help it run more efficiently. It could also help prolong its life span, since it enables techs to spot small problems before they create a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too often, and increase your electrical.
- Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air within your home.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with SchagrinGAS Company
If you are looking to use less energy this summer, our SchagrinGAS Company professionals can help. Reach us at 302-231-1380 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling options.
