You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant temp during the summer.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We go over advice from energy experts so you can determine the best temperature for your home.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Pacheco.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outside temps, your cooling expenses 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 sounds warm, there are approaches you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioner running constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cool air where it should be—indoors. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver more insulation and improved 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 because they cool through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable at first glance, try conducting a trial for a week or so. Begin by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily turn it down while adhering to the suggestions above. You could be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning working all day while your residence is vacant. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and often results in a bigger AC expense.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your settings controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a convenient solution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that may be too cool, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise using a comparable test over a week, setting your temp higher and progressively decreasing it to select the best setting for your residence. On pleasant nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than running the air conditioning.
More Ways to Save Energy This Summer
There are additional ways you can conserve money on utility bills throughout warm weather.
- Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping energy bills down.
- Schedule annual air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating like it should and could help it work more efficiently. It could also help lengthen its life span, since it enables techs to pinpoint small problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too frequently, and raise your energy.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 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 major comfort problems in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air inside.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Clean Air HVAC
If you want to use less energy during warm weather, our Clean Air HVAC specialists can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 925-267-6219 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling products.
