You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing setting during the summer.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We discuss advice from energy pros so you can choose the best temperature for your home.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Auburn.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outdoor temps, your AC bills will be higher.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds hot, there are ways you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioner on all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver added insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm at first glance, try doing a trial for approximately a week. Get started by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the tips above. You may be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning working all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t useful and typically produces a bigger cooling expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your settings controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free resolution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for most families. Most 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 pajama and blanket preference.
We recommend running a similar test over a week, putting your temperature higher and gradually lowering it to find the best temperature for your family. On cool nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable option than using the AC.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are added approaches you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Buy 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 comfier while keeping energy expenses down.
- Schedule annual air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working smoothly and may help it run at greater efficiency. It could also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables professionals to find seemingly insignificant troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and increase your electricity.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort issues in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air inside.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Forster Heating
If you want to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Forster Heating specialists can assist you. Get in touch with us at 530-903-5878 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling options.
