You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at the right setting during warm days.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We discuss advice from energy experts so you can choose the best temp for your loved ones.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Longview.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your electrical 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 sounds warm, there are methods you can keep your house cool without having the AC running constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide extra insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot at first glance, try conducting a trial for about a week. Get started by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily lower it while using the ideas above. You might be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC running all day while your house is vacant. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t useful and usually leads to a bigger electrical bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your settings under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you go.
If you need a handy resolution, 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 intuitively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise trying an equivalent test over a week, putting your temp higher and slowly decreasing it to determine the ideal setting for your family. On cool nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable option than running the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional ways you can spend less money on air conditioning bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping cooling expenses small.
- Book annual air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working properly and may help it work at greater efficiency. It may also help extend its life expectancy, since it enables techs to discover seemingly insignificant troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too much, and drive up your electricity.
- Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort issues in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air inside.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Goode Bros AC & Heating
If you want to save more energy during warm weather, our Goode Bros AC & Heating experts can assist you. Get in touch with us at 903-284-2612 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling products.
