You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at the right temperature during hot days.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We review recommendations from energy pros so you can select the best temp for your family.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Longview.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outdoor warmth, your utility bills will be larger.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are approaches you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioning going frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—inside. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give extra insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s since they freshen by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try running an experiment for a week or so. Get started by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually turn it down while using the ideas above. You might be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning running all day while your house is vacant. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t useful and typically results in a higher electricity expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your settings in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a handy remedy, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area 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 recommend running an equivalent test over a week, moving your temperature higher and slowly lowering it to choose the ideal temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior idea than using the air conditioning.
More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are other methods you can save money on energy 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 upgraded air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping cooling expenses low.
- Book yearly air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating smoothly and could help it operate at better efficiency. It might also help prolong its life span, since it allows professionals to uncover little issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Change air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too much, and increase your electricity.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort issues in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air inside.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Goode Bros AC & Heating
If you need to use less energy this summer, our Goode Bros AC & Heating pros can provide assistance. Give us a call at 903-284-2612 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.
