You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at the right setting during muggy weather.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We review ideas from energy specialists so you can choose the best temp 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 households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and outside temperatures, 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 too high, there are ways you can keep your residence cool without having the AC going all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver extra insulation and better energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s since they refresh by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try running a test for a week or so. Start by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively decrease it while following the suggestions above. You could be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner on all day while your home is empty. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t productive and typically leads to a higher AC bill.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your settings under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a hassle-free remedy, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that could be too cold, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise using a comparable test over a week, setting your temperature higher and slowly lowering it to select the ideal setting for your family. On pleasant nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior option than running the AC.
More Methods to Save Energy This Summer
There are extra approaches you can conserve money on energy bills throughout the summer.
- Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping electricity costs low.
- Set yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running properly and could help it operate more efficiently. It might also help extend its life cycle, since it allows techs to spot small problems before they create a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and drive up your energy.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort troubles in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air inside.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Watts Electric & AC
If you want to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Watts Electric & AC specialists 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.