You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing setting during hot days.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy pros so you can determine the best temperature for your home.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Norco and surrounding parishes.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outdoor temperatures, your utility costs will be higher.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are methods you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioning running constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—within your home. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer more insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable on the surface, try doing a test for a week or so. Begin by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually lower it while following the tips above. You might be astonished at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC going all day while your residence is vacant. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t useful and usually produces a more expensive electrical cost.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a hassle-free remedy, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest running a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and gradually decreasing it to find the best setting for your family. On pleasant nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior idea than running the air conditioning.
More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are additional ways you can conserve money on AC bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping AC bills small.
- Schedule yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating like it should and might help it work at better efficiency. It could also help extend its life expectancy, since it allows professionals to pinpoint small troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too much, and increase your cooling.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the United States don’t have proper 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 checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort issues in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air indoors.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Mayeuxs AC & Heating
If you need to save more energy this summer, our Mayeuxs AC & Heating professionals can assist you. Reach us at (985) 764-2426 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.
