You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant setting during the summer.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy experts so you can determine the best temperature for your residence.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Manassas.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and exterior temps, your cooling bills will be greater.
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 ways you can keep your residence pleasant without having the AC going constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—within your home. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give more insulation and enhanced energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s since they cool by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot at first glance, try doing a trial for approximately a week. Begin by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily lower it while following the ideas above. You could be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner working all day while your home is empty. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t useful and often leads to a more expensive cooling bill.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temp in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you go.
If you need a handy solution, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of having 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 suggests 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that might be too cool, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest using a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and progressively turning it down to pinpoint the best temperature for your family. On mild nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the air conditioner.
More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are added ways you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping electrical costs small.
- Book annual air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running like it should and might help it run more efficiently. It could also help extend its life span, since it allows techs to pinpoint small troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your energy.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort troubles in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air within your home.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Woody's Sudden Service
If you are looking to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Woody's Sudden Service professionals can assist you. Get in touch with us at 703-291-0095 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.
