You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing setting during hot days.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We review recommendations from energy specialists so you can select the best setting for your home.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Port Clinton.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outdoor temperatures, your utility costs 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 appears hot, there are methods you can keep your residence cool without having the AC on constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give extra insulation and better energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm on the surface, try running an experiment for a week or so. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily lower it while following the suggestions above. You could be surprised at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner working all day while your home is vacant. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t effective and usually results in a more expensive electrical bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temp controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a hassle-free remedy, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of having 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 recommends 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise running a similar test over a week, moving your temperature higher and slowly lowering it to pinpoint the best temp for your family. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior idea than operating the AC.
More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are added ways you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electrical costs low.
- Book regular air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running like it should and might help it run at better efficiency. It could also help prolong its life expectancy, since it enables professionals to uncover little issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and raise your energy.
- Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort issues in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air within your home.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Ohler & Holzhauer Inc.
If you are looking to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Ohler & Holzhauer Inc. pros can help. Get in touch with us at 419-465-8722 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.