You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a refreshing temp during the summer.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy specialists so you can determine the best temp for your family.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Lexington.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outside warmth, your electricity bills 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 too high, there are approaches you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioner going all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—within your home. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide more insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they cool by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm initially, try running an experiment for approximately a week. Get started by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively decrease it while using the suggestions above. You could be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning on all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t effective and often results in a more expensive AC cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temp under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you leave.
If you want a hassle-free resolution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise trying an equivalent test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and steadily turning it down to select the ideal temp for your residence. On mild nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than operating the air conditioning.
More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are additional methods you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping AC
costs down. - Schedule regular air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating smoothly and might help it work more efficiently. It may also help extend its life expectancy, since it allows technicians to find small troubles before they lead to a big meltdown.
- Switch air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and drive up your energy
expenses. - Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated as it’s aged can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with James Heating & A/C, Inc
If you want to save more energy during hot weather, our James Heating & A/C, Inc pros can help. Reach us at 336-853-6070 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-efficient cooling solutions.