You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant temp during summer weather.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over advice from energy experts so you can determine the best setting for your home.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Pflugerville.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outdoor warmth, your cooling expenses 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 seems hot, there are ways you can keep your home refreshing without having the AC going constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—indoors. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer more insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try doing an experiment for a week or so. Get started by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively lower it while following the tips above. You might be shocked at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning running all day while your house is vacant. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t effective and typically results in a bigger cooling expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a hassle-free fix, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly 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 almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that may be too chilly, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We recommend following a similar test over a week, putting your temperature higher and slowly lowering it to determine the best setting for your residence. On mild nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the AC.
More Ways to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are extra methods you can conserve money on utility bills throughout hot weather.
- Install 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 comfier while keeping utility expenses down.
- Book annual air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working smoothly and might help it operate at better efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it enables technicians to uncover seemingly insignificant problems before they create a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your energy.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort problems in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air within your home.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning
If you want to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning pros can assist you. Get in touch with us at 512-337-4337 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.
