You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a pleasant temp during muggy weather.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy specialists so you can select the best temperature for your house.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Alice.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outdoor warmth, your electricity expenses will be greater.
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 home refreshing without having the air conditioner running frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—indoors. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer more insulation and better energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s since they freshen through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try doing an experiment for approximately a week. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively decrease it while adhering to the tips above. You may be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning going all day while your house is unoccupied. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t useful and often leads to a bigger electrical bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you go.
If you want a handy remedy, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend following a comparable test over a week, moving your temperature higher and slowly turning it down to choose the ideal temp for your house. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are additional ways you can save money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping electrical expenses low.
- Schedule yearly air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating properly and might help it work at greater efficiency. It may also help prolong its life expectancy, since it allows professionals to discover little problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and increase your energy.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort issues in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air indoors.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Rescue Heating & Air
If you want to use less energy during warm weather, our Rescue Heating & Air pros can provide assistance. Give us a call at 361-265-4371 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling options.