You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temp during hot days.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy specialists so you can find the best temp for your home.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Central Point.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outside temps, your utility bills will be larger.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are methods you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioning running all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—inside. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give extra insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s since they cool through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try conducting a test for about a week. Begin by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily decrease it while using the ideas above. You could be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC on all day while your home is empty. Moving the temp 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t effective and typically produces a higher cooling bills.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temperature under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a convenient fix, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could 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 recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest following a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and progressively decreasing it to determine the right temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior option than operating the AC.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are extra ways you can conserve money on utility bills throughout warm weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping utility
expenses low. - Book annual AC maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working like it should and may help it run at better efficiency. It could also help lengthen its life cycle, since it helps technicians to discover small issues before they lead to a big meltdown.
- Replace air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and raise your energy
bills. - Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over the years can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort issues in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.
Save More Energy This Summer with Titan Heating & Air Conditioning
If you need to save more energy during warm weather, our Titan Heating & Air Conditioning professionals can provide assistance. Give us a call at 541-286-6617 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling products.