You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant temperature during hot days.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We review ideas from energy professionals so you can find the best temp for your house.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Magnolia.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and exterior temperatures, your electricity 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 ways you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioner going frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver more insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot at first glance, try conducting a test for a week or so. Start by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually lower it while using the suggestions above. You could be surprised at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning running all day while your house is vacant. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t useful and usually produces a higher air conditioner bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temperature in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you leave.
If you want a hassle-free resolution, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We recommend running a similar test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and gradually decreasing it to find the best setting for your family. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior option than using the air conditioner.
More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are additional ways you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout the summer.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electricity costs small.
- Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running like it should and may help it operate more efficiently. It can also help lengthen its life span, since it enables techs to spot little issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and increase your electrical.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air indoors.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with JTech Mechanical
If you need to conserve more energy this summer, our JTech Mechanical experts can help. Reach us at 281-231-8768 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling options.