You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temperature during muggy weather.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We review ideas from energy professionals so you can determine the best temperature for your house.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Port St. Lucie.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and outside temps, your utility expenses 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 sounds too high, there are methods you can keep your residence cool without having the AC running all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—within your home. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver extra insulation and better energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm at first glance, try running a trial for approximately a week. Begin by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively decrease it while following the tips above. You might be shocked at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC working all day while your residence is vacant. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t effective and usually produces a higher AC bill.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temp controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a convenient remedy, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that could be too chilly, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest trying a comparable test over a week, moving your temp higher and progressively decreasing it to pick the ideal setting for your residence. On mild nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior solution than operating the AC.
More Methods to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are added ways you can spend less money on air conditioning bills throughout warm weather.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping cooling bills down.
- Set annual air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working properly and may help it run at better efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables pros to pinpoint small troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and drive up your electrical.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort troubles in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air within your home.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Custom Air Systems Inc
If you are looking to conserve more energy this summer, our Custom Air Systems Inc specialists can assist you. Get in touch with us at 772-677-8981 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.
