You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant setting during warm days.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We review ideas from energy experts so you can select the best setting for your home.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Erie.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outdoor temps, your electrical costs will be greater.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are methods you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner on frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver added insulation and enhanced energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they freshen through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot initially, try doing a test for about a week. Get started by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually decrease it while using the suggestions above. You could be astonished at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning on all day while your home is empty. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t effective and usually leads to a higher air conditioner expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your settings under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a hassle-free remedy, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re away. 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 perk of installing 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 might be unbearable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest following an equivalent test over a week, moving your temperature higher and gradually turning it down to determine the right setting for your residence. On pleasant nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better solution than using the air conditioner.
More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are extra methods you can conserve money on air conditioning bills throughout warm weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping electricity costs low.
- Set yearly air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running like it should and may help it run at greater efficiency. It might also help extend its life expectancy, since it allows techs to discover seemingly insignificant troubles before they cause 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 switch on and off too often, and drive up your utility.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort problems in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air inside.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Patterson & Stirling
If you want to use less energy this summer, our Patterson & Stirling pros can assist you. Give us a call at 814-308-0416 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling products.
