You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temp during summer weather.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy experts so you can choose the best setting for your residence.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Carson City.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and exterior temperatures, your cooling 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 seems hot, there are ways you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioning going all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cold air where it should be—inside. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give more insulation and enhanced energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s since they refresh with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm on the surface, try conducting a test for a week or so. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually turn it down while using the suggestions above. You could be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a hotter 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 higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t effective and typically results in a bigger electricity cost.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your settings controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you go.
If you want a hassle-free remedy, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise trying a similar test over a week, setting your temp higher and gradually turning it down to pick the ideal temp for your family. On pleasant nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the AC.
More Methods to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are added methods you can conserve money on air conditioning bills throughout the summer.
- Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electrical
bills down. - Schedule annual AC maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating properly and might help it operate at better efficiency. It can also help prolong its life expectancy, since it allows technicians to pinpoint little issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and drive up your energy
expenses. - Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over the years can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort issues in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air indoors.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Anderson Heating & A/C
If you need to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Anderson Heating & A/C experts can help. Give us a call at 775-230-7628 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-efficient cooling solutions.