You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at the right temp during hot days.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We go over ideas from energy experts so you can select the best setting for your home.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Alpharetta.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and exterior temps, your cooling 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 seems too high, there are ways you can keep your home cool without having the AC running all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide more insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too hot initially, try conducting a test for approximately a week. Begin by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively decrease it while using the ideas above. You could be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning running all day while your home is vacant. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t effective and usually results in a higher electrical cost.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temp in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a convenient resolution, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of using 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 may be unbearable for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that might be too cold, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We recommend running a comparable test over a week, setting your temp higher and slowly decreasing it to pinpoint the best setting for your residence. On cool nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior solution than using the AC.
More Methods to Save Energy During Hot Weather
There are extra ways you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping energy expenses low.
- Book regular air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and might help it work at better efficiency. It might also help extend its life span, since it enables professionals to uncover little troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and drive up your cooling.
- Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort issues in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air indoors.
Save More Energy This Summer with Superior Indoor Comfort
If you want to save more energy this summer, our Superior Indoor Comfort pros can provide assistance. Give us a call at 770-664-9098 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.