You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at the right setting during the summer.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We go over advice from energy pros so you can find the best temp for your residence.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Florissant.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and outside warmth, your electrical 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 appears too high, there are approaches you can keep your home pleasant without having the AC going constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver extra insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they freshen with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try running a trial for about a week. Start by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually turn it down while following the advice above. You might be shocked at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC going all day while your home is vacant. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t effective and typically produces a higher AC bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temp under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a convenient solution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise running a similar test over a week, moving your temperature higher and progressively lowering it to pinpoint the right temperature for your house. On cool nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than running the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are other methods you can save money on utility 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 get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping energy costs small.
- Schedule yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running like it should and could help it run more efficiently. It can also help extend its life expectancy, since it helps techs to uncover little problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and increase your electricity.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the United States 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 examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with B & B Heating & Cooling
If you want to save more energy this summer, our B & B Heating & Cooling specialists can help. Get in touch with us at 314-325-7552 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling options.