You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at the right temp during the summer.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We review suggestions from energy experts so you can find the best setting for your residence.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Wilkes Barre and Scranton.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and exterior warmth, your electrical expenses will be larger.
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 methods you can keep your home refreshing without having the AC running all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cold air where it should be—indoors. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver extra insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they refresh by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot initially, try conducting an experiment for a week or so. Get started by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively decrease it while using the tips above. You may be surprised at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner going all day while your house is empty. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t useful and often results in a higher cooling expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your settings in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a convenient resolution, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise running a comparable test over a week, moving your temperature higher and progressively turning it down to choose the best setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than operating the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Save Energy During Hot Weather
There are other ways you can spend less money on AC bills throughout the summer.
- Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping utility expenses low.
- Set regular air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running like it should and may help it operate at better efficiency. It might also help prolong its life cycle, since it helps technicians to uncover little issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and raise your utility.
- Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort troubles in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air inside.
Use Less Energy This Summer with GLR Mechanical
If you need to save more energy during warm weather, our GLR Mechanical pros can provide assistance. Give us a call at 570-309-0403 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling products.