You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing setting during warm days.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy specialists so you can select the best temperature for your house.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Delray Beach.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and exterior temperatures, your electricity bills will be larger.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are methods you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioner going constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer more 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 due to the fact they refresh by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm on the surface, try doing a test for about a week. Get started by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively turn it down while adhering to the advice above. You might be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner working all day while your residence is empty. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t useful and often leads to a bigger cooling bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free resolution, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend following a similar test over a week, setting your temperature higher and progressively decreasing it to locate the best setting for your residence. On cool nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better option than operating the air conditioning.
More Methods to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are other ways you can conserve money on utility bills throughout warm weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping utility expenses down.
- Book annual air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running smoothly and could help it work more efficiently. It can also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables professionals to uncover seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too much, and increase your utility.
- Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort issues in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Kilbourne Heating & AC
If you are looking to use less energy during warm weather, our Kilbourne Heating & AC experts can help. Give us a call at 561-287-7071 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling options.