You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at the right setting during warm days.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We go over ideas from energy professionals so you can select the best setting for your home.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Erie.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and exterior temps, your utility costs will be bigger.
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 cool without having the AC going frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cool air where it should be—inside. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer more insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s since they refresh through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm at first glance, try running a trial for approximately a week. Get started by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while using the advice above. You might be amazed at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning on all day while your home is empty. Moving the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t useful and typically leads to a bigger AC bills.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your settings under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a handy remedy, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for many families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise running a similar test over a week, setting your temp higher and progressively decreasing it to pinpoint the best setting for your family. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior idea than running the air conditioner.
More Methods to Save Energy This Summer
There are other approaches you can save money on energy bills throughout the summer.
- Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping utility
costs small. - Book regular air conditioning service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating like it should and may help it work more efficiently. It might also help lengthen its life span, since it enables technicians to find little troubles before they lead to an expensive meltdown.
- Replace air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and raise your utility
costs. - Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have adequate 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 as it’s aged can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort troubles in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air indoors.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Patterson & Stirling Inc
If you are looking to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Patterson & Stirling Inc experts can help. Get in touch with us at 814-308-0416 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling options.