You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing temp during the summer.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We review ideas from energy specialists so you can determine the best temperature for your family.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Port St. Lucie.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outdoor warmth, your electricity bills will be larger.
These are our suggestions 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 residence refreshing without having the air conditioning running all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cold air where it should be—inside. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer added insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm at first glance, try conducting a test for approximately a week. Get started by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively decrease it while adhering to the suggestions above. You might be surprised at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning on all day while your residence is unoccupied. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t useful and usually leads to a more expensive air conditioner bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temp in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a convenient fix, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for many families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise running a similar test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and gradually lowering it to select the right temperature for your family. On cool nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than running the AC.
More Methods to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are other approaches you can conserve money on AC bills throughout warm weather.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electrical costs down.
- Schedule regular air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running smoothly and might help it work more efficiently. It may also help lengthen its life cycle, since it helps techs to pinpoint little troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too frequently, and raise your energy.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort problems in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Custom Air Systems Inc
If you are looking to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Custom Air Systems Inc pros can assist you. Get in touch with us at 772-677-8981 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.
