You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temp during muggy weather.

But what is the right temp, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy specialists so you can choose the best temperature 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 placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and outside temps, your electrical bills will be bigger.

These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds hot, there are approaches you can keep your residence pleasant without having the AC going all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—indoors. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer added insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable at first glance, try doing a trial for about a week. Begin by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily lower it while adhering to the tips above. You could be astonished at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning working all day while your house is empty. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t productive and typically leads to a higher electricity cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temp controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a hassle-free solution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend following a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and gradually turning it down to pinpoint the best temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than using the air conditioner.

More Methods to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

There are additional ways you can conserve money on utility bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping AC expenses small.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working properly and could help it work at better efficiency. It may also help prolong its life span, since it allows techs to discover small problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your energy.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort troubles in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air within your home.

Use Less Energy This Summer with James Heating & A/C, Inc

If you need to use less energy this summer, our James Heating & A/C, Inc professionals can assist you. Reach us at 336-853-6070 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.