You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant setting during muggy weather.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We discuss advice from energy experts so you can determine the best temp for your loved ones.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Tucker.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and exterior temps, your utility costs 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 methods you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner going frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give more insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they refresh with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm on the surface, try running a test for a week or so. Get started by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily decrease it while using the tips above. You may be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC working all day while your residence is empty. Turning the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and usually results in a higher electrical bills.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a hassle-free resolution, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from nearly 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 sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest trying an equivalent test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and gradually lowering it to find the ideal setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than operating the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are other ways you can spend less money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping energy
costs down. - Schedule annual air conditioning service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and may help it operate more efficiently. It can also help extend its life cycle, since it helps techs to uncover little problems before they lead to an expensive meltdown.
- Change air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too much, and raise your energy
expenses. - Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over the years can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort problems in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with ACS Heating and Air Conditioning
If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our ACS Heating and Air Conditioning experts can help. Give us a call at 770-450-1539 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.