You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a refreshing temperature during hot days.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We review advice from energy professionals 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 Bryan.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and exterior temperatures, your electricity costs will be bigger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are approaches you can keep your house pleasant without having the AC running frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide more insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they freshen with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable on the surface, try doing a trial for about a week. Start by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily turn it down while adhering to the ideas above. You could be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning going all day while your home is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t effective and usually leads to a bigger electrical bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your settings controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a hassle-free fix, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of installing 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 advises 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that may be too cool, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise trying a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and steadily turning it down to select the best temp for your house. On mild nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than running the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are other methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout the summer.
- Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping energy bills down.
- Set yearly air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working like it should and might help it run at better efficiency. It might also help prolong its life cycle, since it helps technicians to uncover seemingly insignificant problems before they create a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too often, and raise your electrical.
- Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 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 lead to big comfort issues in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air inside.
Save More Energy This Summer with Superior Air Repair
If you are looking to use less energy this summer, our Superior Air Repair pros can provide assistance. Give us a call at 979-200-6326 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling products.
