You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temperature during warm days.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We go over ideas from energy specialists so you can find the best temperature for your house.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Columbus.
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 inside and outside temperatures, your utility 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 appears warm, there are ways you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioner on frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—indoors. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver extra insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try running a trial for approximately a week. Begin by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily turn it down while using the tips above. You might be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC going all day while your home is unoccupied. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t productive and often produces a higher electricity bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a handy fix, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest following a similar test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and steadily decreasing it to find the right temp for your family. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than running the AC.
More Methods to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are other ways you can conserve money on energy bills throughout warm weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping utility expenses small.
- Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating properly and could help it run at better efficiency. It might also help extend its life span, since it enables pros to uncover small troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Change air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too often, and raise your utility.
- Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air within your home.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Classic Air
If you are looking to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Classic Air professionals can assist you. Get in touch with us at 614-739-1627 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.