You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at the right temp during warm days.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy pros so you can determine the best temp for your loved ones.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Norco and surrounding parishes.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outdoor warmth, your electricity bills 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 too high, there are methods you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioning going all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide extra insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they refresh through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot initially, try conducting a test for approximately a week. Start by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily lower it while following the suggestions above. You might be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC running all day while your home is empty. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t effective and often results in a bigger cooling bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temperature under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.
If you need a handy fix, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that may be too cool, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise using an equivalent test over a week, moving your temperature higher and gradually decreasing it to find the ideal setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the air conditioning.
More Methods to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are additional methods you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping utility costs down.
- Set yearly air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating smoothly and could help it operate at better efficiency. It might also help extend its life cycle, since it allows techs to pinpoint little troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and drive up your electricity.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort troubles in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.
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 help. Reach us at (985) 764-2426 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling products.
