You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at the right setting during warm days.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We review recommendations from energy experts so you can find the best temp for your home.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Manassas.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and exterior temperatures, your cooling bills will be greater.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are ways you can keep your house cool without having the AC going constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—inside. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide extra insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable at first glance, try running a test for about a week. Start by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively lower it while using the advice above. You could be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning on all day while your residence is vacant. Turning the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t useful and typically leads to a more expensive electrical expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temperature in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.
If you need a convenient resolution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for many families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise using an equivalent test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and steadily turning it down to locate the right temp for your residence. On pleasant nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the AC.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are extra approaches you can save money on AC bills throughout warm weather.
- Install 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 more comfortable while keeping electrical
costs low. - Schedule annual AC tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and might help it operate at better efficiency. It could also help lengthen its life span, since it helps techs to pinpoint small problems before they create a big meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and raise your utility
expenses. - Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort issues in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Woody's Sudden Service Inc
If you want to use less energy during hot weather, our Woody's Sudden Service Inc professionals can assist you. Give us a call at 703-278-2036 or contact us online for more info about our energy-efficient cooling options.