You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at the right temperature during summer weather.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy pros so you can select the best temperature for your home.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Freehold.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your utility expenses 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 sounds too high, there are ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioning on frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—within your home. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide more insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s since they refresh by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too hot on the surface, try conducting a test for about a week. Start by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily lower it while following the advice above. You may be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning working all day while your house is vacant. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t effective and often produces a more expensive air conditioner bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temp under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a hassle-free remedy, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it instinctively 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 using 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 recommends 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise running a similar test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and progressively lowering it to find the ideal setting for your family. On mild nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better solution than using the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are other approaches you can save money on energy bills throughout the summer.
- Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping electricity bills low.
- Book yearly air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating properly and might help it work at better efficiency. It could also help extend its life cycle, since it helps techs to find seemingly insignificant problems before they create a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and increase your cooling.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort troubles in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air within your home.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Perfect Air & Water Services
If you want to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Perfect Air & Water Services professionals can assist you. Reach us at 848-361-4516 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.
