You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant setting during the summer.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We review recommendations from energy pros so you can select the best temperature for your residence.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in York.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outdoor temps, your utility costs will be larger.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are approaches you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioning on constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—inside. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer added insulation and better energy efficiency.
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 because they cool through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable at first glance, try doing a test for about a week. Start by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually turn it down while using the suggestions above. You may be amazed at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC running all day while your residence is empty. Turning the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and typically leads to a bigger electrical bills.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your settings in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a handy remedy, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links 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 the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest following an equivalent test over a week, moving your temp higher and slowly decreasing it to pinpoint the best temp for your house. On mild nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable option than running the air conditioning.
More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are added methods you can spend less money on energy bills throughout warm weather.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping utility
expenses low. - Book annual AC service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating like it should and might help it work at better efficiency. It may also help prolong its life expectancy, since it helps pros to uncover little troubles before they cause an expensive meltdown.
- Switch air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and raise your utility
costs. - Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort problems in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air inside.
Save More Energy This Summer with Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning
If you need to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning experts can assist you. Give us a call at 717-383-4479 or contact us online for more details about our energy-efficient cooling products.