You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temperature during the summer.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy experts so you can find the best temperature for your loved ones.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Pflugerville.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and outdoor warmth, your AC costs will be bigger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are methods you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioner going frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver added insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try running a test for about a week. Get started by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the tips above. You could be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC running all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t effective and usually produces a more expensive AC cost.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temperature in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a convenient remedy, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest running a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and gradually lowering it to determine the ideal temp for your house. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the AC.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are other approaches you can save money on energy bills throughout warm weather.
- Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping electrical
expenses small. - Schedule annual AC maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and might help it run more efficiently. It might also help prolong its life cycle, since it allows techs to pinpoint little issues before they cause an expensive meltdown.
- Change air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and drive up your energy
expenses. - Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the U.S. 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 inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort troubles in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning
If you need to use less energy during warm weather, our Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning professionals can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 512-355-1482 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling products.