You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temperature during hot days.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy professionals so you can choose the best setting for your loved ones.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in York.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and exterior warmth, your electricity expenses will be greater.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are approaches you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioner running all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer more insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable initially, try doing an experiment for about a week. Begin by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively lower it while following the advice above. You might be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner working all day while your house is empty. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t effective and often produces a bigger electrical cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temperature under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you go.
If you want a handy solution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of using 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 suggests 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for most families. The majority of 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, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise trying a similar test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and progressively turning it down to locate the right temp for your residence. On mild nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior idea than using the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are extra ways you can conserve money on air conditioning bills throughout warm weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping electrical costs down.
- Book yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working properly and may help it operate at greater efficiency. It can also help prolong its life expectancy, since it allows professionals to uncover seemingly insignificant troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and increase your electricity.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many 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 result in huge comfort issues in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air within your home.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Strine's
If you want to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Strine's specialists can assist you. Get in touch with us at 717-383-4479 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling products.