You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a refreshing setting during summer weather.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We discuss advice from energy specialists so you can select the best temp for your loved ones.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Auburn.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your electrical expenses will be bigger.
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 approaches you can keep your home refreshing without having the AC on all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide added insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they refresh by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm initially, try conducting a test for a week or so. Start by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily turn it down while adhering to the ideas above. You might be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning on all day while your home is empty. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t useful and often leads to a bigger AC cost.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your settings in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free remedy, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for many 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 might be too cold, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest using a similar test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and progressively turning it down to choose the right setting for your residence. On cool nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better option than running the air conditioning.
More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are added ways you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping electrical bills small.
- Book regular air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working like it should and may help it operate at better efficiency. It can also help prolong its life expectancy, since it allows professionals to discover seemingly insignificant troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
- Replace 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 drive up your utility.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. 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 residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air indoors.
Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Forster Heating
If you are looking to save more energy during warm weather, our Forster Heating professionals can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 530-885-8081 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling options.
