You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temperature during the summer.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We review ideas from energy professionals so you can select the best temperature for your family.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Brookfield.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outdoor warmth, your electrical expenses will be larger.
These are our suggestions 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 residence cool without having the air conditioning on constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—within your home. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give extra insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they freshen through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try running a test for approximately a week. Start by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively turn it down while adhering to the tips above. You may be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC on all day while your house is empty. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t productive and often leads to a bigger AC cost.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your settings controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a handy fix, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We recommend running a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and progressively turning it down to select the best temperature for your residence. On mild nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the AC.
More Methods to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are added approaches you can save money on air conditioning bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling 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 more comfortable while keeping cooling costs small.
- Schedule annual air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating smoothly and might help it operate at greater efficiency. It might also help prolong its life expectancy, since it helps technicians to find seemingly insignificant troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too often, and drive up your utility.
- Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the USA 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 separated over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort problems in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air indoors.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Central Air LLC
If you are looking to save more energy this summer, our Central Air LLC experts can help. Get in touch with us at 203-403-6174 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.