You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temperature during warm days.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy specialists so you can select the best temp for your residence.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Delray Beach.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and exterior temps, your cooling 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 seems too high, there are methods you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner running constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—inside. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer added insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they refresh through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm on the surface, try doing a trial for a week or so. Start by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively decrease it while adhering to the tips above. You could be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning running all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and usually results in a higher electrical bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temperature in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a hassle-free resolution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects 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 maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise running an equivalent test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and steadily turning it down to choose the right temp for your house. On cool nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better solution than running the AC.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are additional methods you can spend less money on energy bills throughout the summer.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping cooling costs small.
- Set regular air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running properly and could help it run more efficiently. It could also help extend its life expectancy, since it helps professionals to uncover small troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
- Change air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too often, and increase your cooling.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort troubles in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air inside.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Kilbourne Heating & AC
If you need to conserve more energy this summer, our Kilbourne Heating & AC experts can assist you. Give us a call at 561-269-2261 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling products.