You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at the right temp during hot days.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy experts so you can select the best setting for your family.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Manassas.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and exterior temperatures, your cooling bills will be bigger.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds hot, there are methods you can keep your home cool without having the AC on constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver extra insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s since they cool with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot on the surface, try conducting a test for approximately a week. Begin by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually lower it while adhering to the tips above. You could 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 residence is vacant. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t useful and often results in a bigger AC cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temp in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a hassle-free solution, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise using a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and slowly lowering it to pinpoint the best temperature for your house. On mild nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than operating the air conditioning.
More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are extra methods you can save money on air conditioning bills throughout hot weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping AC expenses small.
- Schedule annual air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working smoothly and may help it operate at greater efficiency. It can also help prolong its life cycle, since it allows pros to discover little problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and raise your electricity.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort issues in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air indoors.
Use Less Energy This Summer with Woody's Sudden Service
If you want to use less energy during warm weather, our Woody's Sudden Service professionals can provide assistance. Reach us at 703-278-2036 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling products.