You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant setting during the summer.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We review suggestions from energy professionals so you can find the best setting for your family.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Bryan.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outdoor warmth, your AC expenses will be bigger.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the AC running frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—inside. Some window solutions, such as 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 raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s because they cool with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot on the surface, try running a test for a week or so. Get started by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually decrease it while adhering to the ideas above. You might be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning running all day while your house is vacant. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t effective and usually produces a higher electrical expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temperature under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a convenient resolution, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise running a similar test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and progressively turning it down to pinpoint the best setting for your family. On pleasant nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better option than operating the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are extra ways you can conserve money on utility bills throughout hot weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping AC costs down.
- Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating properly and might help it work more efficiently. It might also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it enables technicians to pinpoint seemingly insignificant issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your cooling.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort issues in your home, 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 seal more conditioned air inside.
Use Less Energy This Summer with Superior Air Repair
If you need to save more energy during hot weather, our Superior Air Repair pros can help. Give us a call at 979-200-6326 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling options.
