You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at the right temp during warm days.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy pros so you can find the best setting for your home.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Oxford.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outside temperatures, your electricity costs will be bigger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are approaches you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioning running frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—indoors. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide extra insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s since they cool by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm at first glance, try doing a trial for approximately a week. Start by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily lower it while adhering to the tips above. You could be shocked at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC going all day while your home is empty. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t effective and often produces a higher electrical expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temperature in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a hassle-free resolution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest running a similar test over a week, moving your temperature higher and steadily lowering it to pinpoint the right setting for your house. On cool nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior option than using the air conditioning.
More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are extra approaches you can save money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping cooling expenses down.
- Book yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and could help it work more efficiently. It can also help extend its life cycle, since it enables pros to find seemingly insignificant issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and increase your energy.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort troubles in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air inside.
Save More Energy This Summer with Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc
If you need to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc experts can provide assistance. Reach us at 662-281-1231 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.