You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temp during warm days.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We review advice from energy professionals so you can choose the best setting for your loved ones.
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 big difference between your indoor and outdoor warmth, your cooling costs will be higher.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are approaches you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioner going constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide more insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they cool with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try conducting a test for about a week. Begin by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily decrease it while using the ideas above. You may be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning going all day while your home is unoccupied. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t productive and often produces a bigger electricity bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your settings in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a convenient solution, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year 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 nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that may be too chilly, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise following a similar test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and gradually decreasing it to determine the ideal setting for your house. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the air conditioner.
More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are extra approaches you can conserve money on AC bills throughout warm weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping cooling expenses low.
- Schedule regular air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running smoothly and may help it operate more efficiently. It might also help prolong its life expectancy, since it enables professionals to discover seemingly insignificant problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and drive up your cooling.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort problems in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air indoors.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Patterson & Stirling
If you are looking to save more energy this summer, our Patterson & Stirling specialists can assist you. Get in touch with us at 814-739-6977 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling options.
