You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant temp during muggy weather.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy pros so you can determine the best temperature for your loved ones.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Pacheco.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and exterior warmth, your electricity expenses 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 ways you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioning running frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver added insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm at first glance, try doing an experiment for approximately a week. Start by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually lower it while adhering to the advice above. You might be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner going all day while your home is vacant. Turning the temp 7¬¬–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t effective and usually results in a higher electricity expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temp under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a hassle-free fix, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest following an equivalent test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and slowly decreasing it to select the ideal setting for your house. On cool nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior solution than using the air conditioning.
More Ways to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are other approaches you can conserve money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping energy
expenses low. - Book yearly air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running like it should and may help it work more efficiently. It may also help lengthen its life cycle, since it helps professionals to pinpoint small issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Change air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your cooling
expenses. - Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air indoors.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Clean Air HVAC
If you need to use less energy during warm weather, our Clean Air HVAC specialists can provide assistance. Give us a call at 925-233-6238 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.