You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at the right setting during hot days.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy pros so you can determine the best temperature for your home.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Bishop.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outside warmth, your utility bills will be bigger.
This is our advice 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 pleasant without having the air conditioner running all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—inside. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide extra insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm initially, try doing a trial for about a week. Begin by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily lower it while following the ideas above. You could be amazed at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning working all day while your home is unoccupied. Turning the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t productive and typically results in a more expensive cooling bills.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you go.
If you want a convenient solution, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We recommend using a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and slowly decreasing it to determine the right temperature for your residence. On mild nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than running the air conditioning.
More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are additional methods you can spend less money on air conditioning bills throughout warm weather.
- Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping AC
expenses down. - Book regular air conditioning maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working smoothly and may help it work at greater efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it helps professionals to find seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and increase your energy
bills. - Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort problems in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air inside.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning
If you are looking to use less energy during warm weather, our Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning specialists can assist you. Reach us at 760-784-9034 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-conserving cooling solutions.