You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temp during summer weather.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We discuss advice from energy professionals so you can determine the best temperature for your loved ones.
Here’s what we advise 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 outdoor temps, your electrical expenses will be higher.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are methods you can keep your residence cool without having the AC running all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—within your home. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide extra insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too hot initially, try running a test for approximately a week. Get started by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively turn it down while using the ideas above. You might be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner going all day while your residence is vacant. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a higher cooling bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your settings controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you go.
If you want a convenient remedy, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes 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 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We recommend following a comparable test over a week, putting your temp higher and gradually turning it down to pinpoint the ideal temp for your family. On pleasant nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than running the air conditioner.
More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout the summer.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping cooling bills small.
- Book regular air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running properly and may help it run at greater efficiency. It might also help prolong its life span, since it helps techs to spot seemingly insignificant issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and drive up your utility.
- Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the U.S. 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 inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort problems in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air inside.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning
If you are looking to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning pros can help. Reach us at 760-784-9034 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling products.