You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at the right setting during warm days.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We review advice from energy pros so you can select the best temp for your family.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Delray Beach.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and outdoor temps, your electrical expenses 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 ways you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioning running constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer more insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they cool by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm initially, try running a test for about a week. Start by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually turn it down while following the suggestions above. You could be surprised at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning working all day while your residence is empty. Switching the temp 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t productive and typically produces a more expensive electricity expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temp under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free resolution, think over getting 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 instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise trying a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and progressively decreasing it to pinpoint the best temperature for your family. On mild nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior solution than using the AC.
More Methods to Save Energy During Hot Weather
There are additional approaches you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping AC
expenses low. - Book regular AC maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working smoothly and may help it work more efficiently. It can also help prolong its life cycle, since it helps technicians to discover seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to an expensive meltdown.
- Switch air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too frequently, and raise your electrical
bills. - Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort issues in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air inside.
Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Kilbourne Heating & AC
If you want to use less energy this summer, our Kilbourne Heating & AC pros can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 561-287-7071 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-efficient cooling solutions.