Whats the Most Energy-Efficient AC Setting?

You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing setting during the summer.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We go over ideas from energy professionals so you can select the best setting for your loved ones.

Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Magnolia.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and outside temperatures, your cooling 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 appears too high, there are methods you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioner going all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cold air where it should be—indoors. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver added insulation and enhanced energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot on the surface, try doing an experiment for approximately a week. Get started by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily lower it while adhering to the ideas above. You could be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner working all day while your house is empty. Switching the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t effective and typically results in a bigger AC expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a handy remedy, 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 adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, based on your clothing and blanket preference.

We suggest running an equivalent test over a week, moving your temp higher and progressively decreasing it to pinpoint the right temperature for your house. On pleasant nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than operating the air conditioning.

More Methods to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

There are added methods you can save money on air conditioning bills throughout hot weather.

1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping cooling
costs down.
2. Schedule yearly air conditioning tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working like it should and might help it run at better efficiency. It might also help extend its life expectancy, since it helps professionals to pinpoint little troubles before they cause a big meltdown.
3. Put in new air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and drive up your cooling
bills.
4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened as it’s aged can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air indoors.

Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with JTech Mechanical

If you need to use less energy during hot weather, our JTech Mechanical pros can assist you. Give us a call at 281-231-8768 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-conserving cooling products.