You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a refreshing setting during the summer.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We go over advice from energy experts so you can find the best temperature for your residence.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Port Orchard.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outdoor warmth, your AC bills 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 sounds too high, there are methods you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioning going constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer extra insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm at first glance, try running a trial for about a week. Begin by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually decrease it while adhering to the advice above. You might be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning working all day while your home is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a higher cooling expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temperature under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a handy resolution, think over 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 intuitively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for many families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We recommend trying a comparable test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and gradually decreasing it to find the ideal temp for your family. On pleasant nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better option than operating the air conditioning.
More Methods to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional methods you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout the summer.
- Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping AC expenses small.
- Book annual air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and may help it work at greater efficiency. It may also help prolong its life cycle, since it helps professionals to spot small troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and increase your utility.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses 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 require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort troubles in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air within your home.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Air Masters Heating & Cooling
If you are looking to save more energy this summer, our Air Masters Heating & Cooling experts can help. Reach us at 360-205-7115 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.