You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a pleasant temperature during muggy weather.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We review recommendations from energy pros so you can determine the best temp 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 placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outside temps, your cooling bills 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 appears hot, there are ways you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioner running constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—within your home. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give extra insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable on the surface, try conducting an experiment for approximately a week. Get started by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually lower it while following the ideas above. You might be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC going all day while your residence is empty. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t productive and typically results in a bigger electrical expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temp controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a convenient fix, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise trying a similar test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and gradually lowering it to pick the best temperature for your house. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior option than operating the AC.
More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are extra ways you can save money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping cooling expenses down.
- Schedule regular air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating properly and could help it work at better efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life cycle, since it allows professionals to uncover little issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and raise your energy.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air indoors.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Strine's
If you are looking to conserve more energy this summer, our Strine's experts can provide assistance. Give us a call at 717-383-4479 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.