You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant setting during the summer.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We discuss advice from energy specialists so you can determine the best setting for your loved ones.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Pflugerville.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and exterior temps, your AC costs 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 too high, there are ways you can keep your residence refreshing without having the AC going frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—within your home. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver more insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable on the surface, try running an experiment for a week or so. Start by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily lower it while using the suggestions above. You could be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning running all day while your home is unoccupied. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a higher air conditioner bill.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temperature controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a convenient remedy, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of installing 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 advises 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for most families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We recommend using a comparable test over a week, putting your temperature higher and gradually lowering it to pinpoint the ideal temperature for your family. On pleasant nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable option than using the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are other approaches you can save money on AC bills throughout warm weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping cooling costs low.
- Schedule yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working like it should and could help it operate at greater efficiency. It could also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables technicians to discover little issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Change air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too often, and raise your cooling.
- Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air inside.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning
If you want to use less energy this summer, our Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning pros can help. Reach us at 512-355-1482 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.
