You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temperature during hot days.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy pros so you can find the best temperature for your family.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Columbia.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outside warmth, your electrical bills will be greater.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems warm, there are ways you can keep your residence pleasant without having the AC going frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver added insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they cool through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try doing a test for approximately a week. Start by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily decrease it while using the advice above. You may be surprised at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning going all day while your home is empty. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and usually produces a higher electricity bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you want a handy remedy, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk 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 advises 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest running a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and progressively lowering it to find the ideal temperature for your residence. On cool nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than running the air conditioning.
More Ways to Save Energy During Hot Weather
There are other ways you can conserve money on AC bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping utility expenses small.
- Book regular air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating like it should and may help it run at greater efficiency. It could also help prolong its life span, since it allows technicians to pinpoint seemingly insignificant issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and increase your energy.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 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 create big comfort troubles in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air indoors.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Watts Electric & AC
If you need to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Watts Electric & AC pros can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 601-736-7362 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling products.