You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temp during the summer.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We review advice from energy experts so you can determine the best temperature for your home.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in York.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outside temperatures, your electricity expenses will be bigger.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are approaches you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioner going all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—within your home. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide 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 warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot at first glance, try conducting an experiment for about a week. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively turn it down while adhering to the suggestions above. You might be astonished 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 house is unoccupied. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t effective and usually produces a more expensive AC cost.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temp controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a convenient solution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest following a similar test over a week, setting your temp higher and slowly decreasing it to select the best setting for your residence. On mild nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the air conditioner.
More Ways to Save Energy This Summer
There are extra methods you can save money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping electrical expenses small.
- Schedule annual air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and could help it run at greater efficiency. It might also help prolong its life expectancy, since it allows techs to discover small problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too often, and increase your utility.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort issues in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air indoors.
Use Less Energy This Summer with Strine's
If you need to use less energy during hot weather, our Strine's specialists can assist you. Give us a call at 717-864-4554 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling options.