You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at the right temp during warm days.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We go over ideas from energy experts so you can select the best temp for your house.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Chillicothe.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and exterior temps, your AC bills will be bigger.
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 approaches you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioning on all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver extra insulation and enhanced energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s since they freshen with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm on the surface, try doing an experiment for about a week. Start by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while using the ideas above. You could be surprised at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC going all day while your home is unoccupied. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t effective and usually produces a more expensive air conditioner expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a convenient fix, think over buying 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 automatically adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of using 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 could be unpleasant for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that might be too cold, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise trying a comparable test over a week, putting your temperature higher and progressively decreasing it to find the best temperature for your family. On cool nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior idea than operating the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are other approaches you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping electrical bills low.
- Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running properly and could help it work at greater efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables technicians to discover seemingly insignificant troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and increase your electricity.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort problems in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air within your home.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Botts & Tye Air Conditioning and Heating
If you want to use less energy this summer, our Botts & Tye Air Conditioning and Heating professionals can assist you. Reach us at 660-646-0540 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling options.