You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at the right temperature during warm days.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy specialists 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 Franklin Lakes.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outdoor temps, your cooling costs will be larger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are approaches you can keep your home cool without having the AC on frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—indoors. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer extra insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s since they refresh with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot at first glance, try conducting a test for a week or so. Get started by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually lower it while adhering to the ideas above. You could be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC on all day while your residence is unoccupied. Switching the temp 7¬¬–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and often leads to a more expensive electricity cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your settings in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a convenient fix, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $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 regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for the majority of families. Many 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 cold, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise following a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and slowly decreasing it to pick the right setting for your family. On cool nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better solution than operating the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Save Energy This Summer
There are extra approaches you can save money on air conditioning bills throughout hot weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping energy
expenses small. - Schedule regular air conditioning service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating smoothly and could help it run more efficiently. It can also help prolong its life expectancy, since it allows pros to spot little troubles before they lead to a big meltdown.
- Change air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and increase your cooling
costs. - Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart as it’s aged can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort issues in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Total Comfort
If you need to use less energy during warm weather, our Total Comfort pros can assist you. Reach us at 201-268-5663 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.