Whats the Most Energy-Efficient AC Setting?

You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a refreshing temperature during summer weather.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We review suggestions from energy specialists so you can find the best setting for your house.

Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Reinholds.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outside temperatures, your AC expenses will be greater.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds hot, there are approaches you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioning running all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer added insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try doing a trial for about a week. Get started by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily lower it while adhering to the tips above. You might be surprised at how comfortable 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. Moving the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t effective and usually leads to a more expensive AC expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temp under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a convenient remedy, 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 out. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend running a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and gradually decreasing it to locate the right temperature for your residence. On mild nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior option than operating the AC.

More Approaches to Save Energy During Warm Weather

There are other ways you can save money on AC bills throughout the summer.

1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping utility
costs low.
2. Set annual air conditioning service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running smoothly and might help it work more efficiently. It can also help extend its life span, since it enables professionals to discover seemingly insignificant troubles before they lead to an expensive meltdown.
3. Change air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and raise your energy
costs.
4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated as it’s aged can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort issues in your home, including hot and cold spots.
6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air within your home.

Use Less Energy This Summer with County Line Mechanical LLC

If you want to save more energy during warm weather, our County Line Mechanical LLC specialists can help. Get in touch with us at 717-216-0846 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-efficient cooling products.