You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant temperature during summer weather.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We go over advice from energy specialists so you can choose the best setting for your family.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Lancaster.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and exterior temps, your utility bills will be higher.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are ways you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioning going all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver added insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they refresh through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm at first glance, try running a test for about a week. Begin by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually turn it down while using the suggestions above. You might be surprised at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner working all day while your home is empty. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t productive and usually produces a higher electrical expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temperature under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a hassle-free resolution, 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 away. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise using a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and gradually turning it down to locate the best setting for your house. On mild nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior option than operating the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are additional ways you can conserve money on AC bills throughout the summer.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning 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 house comfier while keeping cooling bills small.
- Schedule regular air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating properly and might help it run at greater efficiency. It could also help prolong its life cycle, since it allows pros to spot small issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too much, and drive up your cooling.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort troubles in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air indoors.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Fairfield Heating & Cooling
If you want to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Fairfield Heating & Cooling pros can provide assistance. Reach us at 740-331-4331 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling products.
