You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at the right setting during warm days.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy pros so you can find the best setting for your residence.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in West Palm Beach.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outside temps, your electrical costs 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 seems warm, there are ways you can keep your home refreshing without having the AC going all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—within your home. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver extra insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they refresh by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable on the surface, try running an experiment for about a week. Begin by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily decrease it while following the suggestions above. You could be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner on all day while your house is vacant. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a more expensive air conditioner cost.
A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temperature in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to increase 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 is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest trying a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and steadily lowering it to choose the best temperature for your family. On pleasant nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the air conditioning.
More Ways to Save Energy During Hot Weather
There are additional methods you can conserve money on air conditioning bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping AC expenses small.
- Set annual air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating like it should and could help it run at greater efficiency. It can also help prolong its life span, since it helps professionals to discover little troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your electricity.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the USA don’t have adequate 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 inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort troubles in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air within your home.
Save More Energy This Summer with The Air Squad
If you are looking to conserve more energy during warm weather, our The Air Squad experts can assist you. Get in touch with us at 561-223-8489 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.