You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a refreshing temp during hot days.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy pros so you can choose the best setting for your house.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Florissant.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outside warmth, your utility bills will be greater.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are ways you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioner going frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give extra insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too hot on the surface, try doing an experiment for a week or so. Get started by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually decrease it while following the advice above. You might be astonished at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner running all day while your home is empty. Turning the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t useful and often leads to a bigger air conditioner bills.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your settings in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free remedy, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch 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. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest using a comparable test over a week, setting your temperature higher and progressively decreasing it to determine the best temp for your family. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior solution than running the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are added approaches you can conserve money on AC bills throughout warm weather.
- Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping energy
expenses small. - Set regular AC maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running like it should and may help it run at greater efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life cycle, since it helps pros to find small issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too often, and raise your electricity
costs. - Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate 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 the years can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort troubles in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with B & B Heating & Cooling
If you are looking to save more energy this summer, our B & B Heating & Cooling specialists can provide assistance. Reach us at 314-325-7552 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-efficient cooling options.