You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at the right setting during hot days.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We discuss advice from energy professionals so you can find the best temp for your residence.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Auburn.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and outdoor warmth, your electrical bills will be higher.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are approaches you can keep your house pleasant without having the AC running constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give extra insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s since they refresh through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot on the surface, try doing a trial for about a week. Start by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while using the ideas above. You may be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC on all day while your house is vacant. Moving the temp 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t useful and typically produces a bigger AC bills.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your settings under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a convenient fix, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise following an equivalent test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and progressively decreasing it to choose the ideal temp for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable option than running the AC.
More Methods to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are extra ways you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping energy
expenses small. - Schedule regular AC tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running properly and could help it work at better efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life span, since it allows pros to discover seemingly insignificant issues before they cause a big meltdown.
- Replace air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too often, and raise your electrical
expenses. - Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over the years can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort problems in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air within your home.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Forster Heating
If you need to use less energy this summer, our Forster Heating experts can help. Get in touch with us at 530-885-8081 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-efficient cooling products.