You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temp during hot days.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy professionals so you can select the best setting for your home.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Morgantown.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and exterior warmth, your electrical costs will be larger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are approaches you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioning on all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give more insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they freshen with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable at first glance, try conducting an experiment for a week or so. Begin by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually decrease it while using the advice above. You may be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC on all day while your residence is vacant. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t productive and usually results in a higher electrical bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temperature in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a handy resolution, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, 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 recommend using a similar test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and gradually turning it down to pick the ideal temperature for your residence. On cool nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior idea than operating the air conditioning.
More Methods to Save Energy During Hot Weather
There are added ways you can spend less money on AC bills throughout warm weather.
- Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping energy costs low.
- Schedule regular air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating properly and may help it work at better efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life span, since it allows pros to pinpoint seemingly insignificant troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too frequently, and raise your utility.
- Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many 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 cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort issues in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Mountain Air
If you need to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Mountain Air experts can assist you. Get in touch with us at 304-244-3530 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling products.