You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temp during summer weather.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We discuss advice from energy professionals so you can find the best temp for your house.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Wilmington.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outside temperatures, your AC expenses 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 house cool without having the air conditioning going all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide more insulation and better energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s because they cool by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm on the surface, try running an experiment for about a week. Get started by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily decrease it while following the suggestions above. You may 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 on all day while your house is empty. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t effective and usually results in a bigger electricity cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temperature under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.
If you need a convenient solution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise trying a similar test over a week, setting your temperature higher and gradually decreasing it to select the right temp for your residence. On cool nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior option than running the AC.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are added ways you can save money on energy bills throughout hot weather.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping energy expenses low.
- Schedule yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running smoothly and might help it run at greater efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life cycle, since it helps professionals to discover little problems before they create a major meltdown.
- Change air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too often, and raise your utility.
- Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort problems in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air indoors.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Ambience HVAC, Inc.
If you need to use less energy during hot weather, our Ambience HVAC, Inc. professionals can assist you. Give us a call at 302-239-HVAC (4822) or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling options.