You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing temp during hot days.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy specialists so you can find the best temp for your house.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Carson City.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and outside temperatures, your electricity bills will be greater.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds hot, there are methods you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioner going constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide extra insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s since they freshen through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot initially, try conducting a trial for approximately a week. Get started by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually decrease it while adhering to the ideas above. You might be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner working all day while your home is empty. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and typically leads to a bigger electrical bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temp under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you want a convenient fix, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of installing 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 recommends 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise using an equivalent test over a week, setting your temperature higher and gradually lowering it to select the best temperature for your house. On mild nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than using the air conditioner.
More Methods to Save Energy This Summer
There are additional methods you can conserve money on utility bills throughout hot weather.
- Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping cooling bills down.
- Book annual air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating like it should and could help it work more efficiently. It may also help prolong its life expectancy, since it enables techs to uncover seemingly insignificant problems before they create a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and raise your utility.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort problems in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.
Save More Energy This Summer with Anderson Heating & A/C
If you are looking to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Anderson Heating & A/C experts can assist you. Give us a call at 775-577-8761 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling products.