You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing setting during muggy weather.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy pros so you can choose the best temperature for your family.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in York.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your electrical costs 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 warm, there are approaches you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioner going frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver extra insulation and enhanced energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try doing a test for about a week. Get started by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily turn it down while following the tips above. You could be shocked at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC working all day while your home is unoccupied. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t productive and often results in a higher electricity cost.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temp under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a handy remedy, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that could be too chilly, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend running a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and slowly turning it down to determine the right setting for your family. On pleasant nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the air conditioning.
More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are added methods you can spend less money on AC bills throughout warm weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping electrical expenses down.
- Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and could help it run at better efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life cycle, since it allows techs to spot seemingly insignificant problems before they create a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and drive up your utility.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air within your home.
Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Strine's
If you are looking to save more energy this summer, our Strine's experts can help. Get in touch with us at 717-864-4554 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling options.