You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temperature during warm days.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy experts so you can determine the best setting for your family.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Bishop.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outdoor temperatures, your cooling expenses 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 sounds too high, there are methods you can keep your house pleasant without having the AC going all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—inside. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide more insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s since they cool with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm initially, try doing a trial for approximately a week. Get started by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily lower it while using the advice 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 air conditioning going all day while your home is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and typically produces a more expensive cooling expense.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your settings in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a convenient resolution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for many families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise following an equivalent test over a week, putting your temperature higher and slowly lowering it to determine the best temp for your residence. On cool nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better solution than operating the air conditioner.
More Ways to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional methods you can save money on air conditioning bills throughout warm weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping energy expenses small.
- Schedule annual air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running smoothly and may help it operate at better efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it allows technicians to uncover seemingly insignificant troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and raise your cooling.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air indoors.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning
If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 760-938-9833 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling options.