You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant temperature during summer weather.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy pros so you can choose the best temp for your family.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Cartersville.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your electrical costs will be higher.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are approaches you can keep your residence pleasant without having the AC on frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give extra insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable at first glance, try running a test for approximately a week. Get started by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually turn it down while adhering to the tips above. You could be surprised at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC going all day while your residence is empty. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling costs, 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 useful and often results in a higher AC expense.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temperature in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a handy fix, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that could be too cool, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest running an equivalent test over a week, setting your temperature higher and progressively lowering it to pinpoint the ideal setting for your family. On pleasant nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better option than running the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are other ways you can spend less money on energy bills throughout the summer.
- Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping electricity bills down.
- Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working smoothly and may help it operate at greater efficiency. It may also help prolong its life expectancy, since it allows pros to uncover small issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Change air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and drive up your electricity.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air indoors.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Champion Air Systems
If you want to use less energy during hot weather, our Champion Air Systems experts can provide assistance. Give us a call at 678-757-7020 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling options.