You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at the right setting during warm days.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We go over advice from energy pros so you can find the best temp for your residence.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Manor and Austin.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outdoor temps, your electricity costs will be greater.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are ways you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioning on all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give more insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try doing an experiment for a week or so. Get started by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while using the tips above. You may be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC working all day while your home is empty. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t useful and typically leads to a bigger cooling expense.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temperature under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you go.
If you want a handy remedy, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year 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 just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for many families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that could be too cold, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend running a comparable test over a week, moving your temp higher and gradually turning it down to choose the ideal temperature for your residence. On mild nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable option than using the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are other methods you can conserve money on utility bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electrical expenses low.
- Set yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and might help it run at greater efficiency. It could also help prolong its life expectancy, since it helps technicians to find seemingly insignificant troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
- Change air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and drive up your cooling.
- Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort issues in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air within your home.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Country Thyme AC & Home Services
If you are looking to use less energy during warm weather, our Country Thyme AC & Home Services experts can help. Get in touch with us at 512-817-2938 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling options.